TEAM NEWS: Evatt gives updates on Sheehan, Santos and Charles

Josh Sheehan and Ricardo Santos should both be available for the visit of Portsmouth – while Dion Charles is set to return to the squad.

Ian Evatt had been worried about Sheehan and Santos, who picked up hamstring and calf problems respectively during the 2-0 victory at Bristol Rovers last weekend.

However, the former has trained all week and the latter is also expected to be available to face leaders Pompey in front of a bumper crowd at the Toughsheet Community Stadium.

Gethin Jones could also return after missing the past few games with a knock picked up while on international duty with Australia.

Meanwhile, Charles – who has been out of action for the past couple of months due to a knee problem – could feature off the bench.

“He won’t be ready to start but he is ready to play a part, and I think that is hugely important for everybody,” Evatt told The Bolton News.

“He needs to build some confidence. He is a fit lad anyway, his physical attributes will have no issue with the intensity of the game.

“It is just really building confidence in the knee that he can strike the ball the same way etc. That will grow day-to-day but it will be a huge boost for us to have him back involved.

“Dan Nlundulu is very, very close to being back involved as well. There are huge positives from the squad at the moment with the availability we have got.”

The Bolton boss isn’t shying away from the magnitude of the game and hopes the home crowd can play a big part, as they did against Reading on Community Day.

“We can’t sugarcoat it, it is absolutely huge,” he added. “But what a great game to be part of! If ever there was a marker for this club and the journey we have been on, this game is it.

“Top of League One, an opportunity with four games to go to be promoted, with it in our hands. It is exactly what I wanted when I took this job four years ago. We have made great strides and it is going to be a fantastic atmosphere.

“I have read Bruce Rioch’s quotes (calling for the fans to create an intimidating atmosphere ahead of facing Wolves in 1995). Hopefully, the fans will see those and we can make it happen.

“One thing that sticks in my mind is that we were disappointed with the result at Fratton Park, but the atmosphere was electric. I think it is only right that we reciprocate that and make it as tough for them as we can.”