Bolton vs Southend - Sammy Ameobi and James Henry among Bolton quintet seeking debut against Southend

Posted Thursday, September 01, 2016 by PA

Five players could make their debuts for Sky Bet League One table-toppers Bolton in Saturday's home clash with Southend.

Transfer deadline day saw Wanderers bring in forwards Sammy Ameobi and Keshi Anderson, winger James Henry and defender Tom Thorpe on loan and goalkeeper Ben Alnwick on a permanent deal.

Midfielder Mark Davies is out for the rest of the season after sustaining a cruciate ligament injury in last Saturday's 1-1 draw at Charlton.

Also sidelined for Bolton are Dorian Dervite (knee), Zach Clough (hamstring), Max Clayton (knee), and Darren Pratley (fractured leg).

Defender Ryan Inniss could be included in the Southend squad after completing a loan move from Crystal Palace.

Winger Stephen McLaughlin and Ben Coker will have fitness tests on minor knocks picked up in the 2-0 win against Brighton's under-23 team in the Checkatrade Trophy on Tuesday night, when 19-year-old left-back Harry Kyprianou marked his senior Shrimpers debut with a goal and veteran defender Anton Ferdinand started.

Centre-half Adam Barrett was rested in midweek so could feature and while midfielders Michael Timlin and Anthony Wordsworth (both hamstring) are closing in on a return, forward Nile Ranger (ankle) remains out.