WANDERERS are hoping to try before they buy after snapping up Southampton starlet Andy Robinson on the final day of the loan window.

The 21-year-old looks set to leave St Mary’s at the end of his contract but after impressing on a two-week trial with the Whites, Dougie Freedman has brought him in on loan for the rest of the season before looking to make the move permanent in the summer.

It is not yet clear whether any future compensation has been discussed between the two clubs.

Robinson could go straight into the squad for tomorrow’s local derby with Wigan Athletic, with Freedman potentially a midfielder down after Mark Davies picked up a groin problem in Tuesday’s win over Blackpool.

If Davies fails to prove his fitness, Chung-Yong Lee would be the most likely to step in, leaving a place on the bench for the new Saints arrival.

Speaking to The Bolton News earlier this month, Freedman said he saw Robinson more as a holding midfielder than one who played further forward.

“He’s a good young player and he’s been brought up in a fantastic system,” he said.

“He’s a great talent and I’ve known about him for a long time because I’ve watched him playing in the Southampton reserves. I know all about him. I think we’re a little bit short in that area, with Medo Kamara and Jay Spearing, that kind of midfielder.

“I know we’ve got players like Mark Davies, Neil Danns or Liam Trotter who can do it but he’s a different type.”

Meanwhile, Alan Hutton is still on course to stay with despite his loan from Aston Villa expiring after Saturday’s game.

It is expected that an extension will be announced by the weekend, leaving the way clear for the Scotland international to remain at the Reebok for another month.

Villa have given their blessing to the move – although there was still some work to be completed at the Wanderers end as The Bolton News went to press last night.

Despite heavy speculation over the future of Chris Eagles, no club stepped forward to cement their interest before yesterday’s 5pm deadline, leaving the 28-year-old to play out the rest of the season at the Reebok.

Charlton Athletic and Derby County are reported to have made tentative enquiries about the former Burnley playmaker’s availability.

Eagles, out of contract in the summer, is now in contention for a place in the squad on Saturday after recovering from an eye infection and returning to full training.