Wanderers were today hoping for a squad boost in both the short and long terms.

Sam Allardyce is looking for good news on the injury front ahead of Saturday's trip to fellow promotion hopefuls Birmingham City.

And the Reebok boss is also keeping a close watch on the talents of two Scandinavian triallists who may provide much needed competition for places.

Dean Holdsworth, recognised as Wanderers' number one striker, appears to be winning his battle for fitness to return for the St Andrew's clash following a groin strain which has sidelined him for the last five matches while Ian Marshall will definitely be fit after missing the midweek victory over Queens Park Rangers with a groin strain.

But Paul Warhurst's attempts to return to action following two months of treatment suffered a blow last night when the reserve match at Burnley was postponed.

Also bidding to make his mark at Bolton is Sunderland's Carsten Fredgaard and little known Finnish player Jani Neimi.

Both are on trial this week and hoping to convince Allardyce they are worthy of a contract.

Fredgaard, 24, has an impressive pedigree having won Under-21 caps for Denmark and played 110 games for Lingby during which he scored 24 goals.

Fredgaard can play up front or in midfield and interested Wanderers before signing for Sunderland in a £1.7m deal last year.

He has failed to make an impact at the Stadium of Light and is looking to get his career back on track.