A CHINK of light may have appeared for out-of-favour stars David Ngog and Chris Eagles in what has otherwise been a desperately disappointing season.

For several weeks two of Wanderers’ most recognisable names have been out of contention, leading some to suggest they could be sold on when the transfer window reopens next month, rather than be allowed to leave for nothing when their contracts expire next summer.

Both Ngog and Eagles have struggled to find a place in Dougie Freedman’s rationalised side of late but while the manager admits he has been forced to sacrifice some of his more attack-minded players, he is positive they will play a part before the end of the campaign.

“Those two players are very capable of scoring goals at this level. They showed that last year,” he told The Bolton News.

“It’s difficult for those two particular players because at the very start of the season I felt our defensive qualities were not where they should have been.

“We weren’t in the game to let these players go and express their talent.

“So over the last 10 games or so I have had to make sure that we’re in games, to the 80th minute at times. It has been difficult for them to get game time.

“But make absolutely no mistake about it – when we get to a stage when we feel it is right, David Ngog and Chris Eagles will be in this team.

“I have no question about their ability at all and they are the players I think who could take us from mid-table to where we should be.

“That is what I am really waiting for.

“When the time is right, these are the players who give us the X Factor.”

Eagles and Ngog are in the same contractual boat as Stuart Holden, Zat Knight, Andre Moritz and Tyrone Mears, but Freedman has put a veto on any negotiations for the time being.

“These players’ contracts are up and they are fighting for their own personal pride and future,” he said.

“I work for Bolton Wanderers Football Club and for the fans and it’s my job to make sure it has a future beyond any player or any manager, in fact.

“I won’t be putting the club at risk by offering out contracts with what I believe are inflated wages.

“If we are very mature about it, this is what happens in football.

“People come to the end of their contracts. ”