Bolton duo are Euro doubts
Sam Allardyce has injury doubts over Nicky Hunt and Gary Speed for Bolton’s UEFA Cup clash in Bulgaria this week.
Defender Hunt and midfielder Speed picked up knocks in today’s 1-0 Barclays Premiership victory over Portsmouth – and Allardyce is worried the pair may not be fit for Thursday’s match with Lokomotiv Plovdiv, with Wanderers holding a 2-1 advantage from the first leg.
The Bolton boss told Prem Plus: “It’s difficult for us.
“We’ve nothing else to worry about but the Plovdiv return leg and the injuries make it difficult for us.
“We’ll take the injuries into consideration and go over with a team which can get us through – but Wigan next in the Premiership remains the priority for us.
“Young Joey O’Brien made his debut and did a fantastic job but injuries are taking us really thin at this early stage of the season.”
He continued: “We should have finished it all off today but without that two-goal cushion Portsmouth went all out and there were a few scary moments in the box.
“It was an absolutely superb goal by Kevin Nolan – his technique, quality and skill has got us an absolutely crucial three points which I’m proud of considering we only got one from our first two games.
“Portsmouth came to sit back initially but then we scored and they had to come and play.
“It opened up on occasions and there were chances there – but neither side could take them.
“We’re on a magnificent run, the fans appreciate everything we do and the club is on the up – but we’re going even beyond my expectations now.”
