KEVIN Davies is worried Wanderers will be cut adrift in the Championship unless they turn their season around soon.

The former Bolton skipper will be a spectator at Deepdale on Saturday evening as two of his former clubs meet in front of the TV cameras on Halloween night.

Wanderers have just one win on the board in their first 13 games but showed some signs of fight at the Macron last weekend to hold on to a point with 10 men against Leeds United.

Davies is sticking to his pre-season prediction that both Bolton and Preston will avoid relegation this season – but admits he is starting to get nervous for Neil Lennon’s side as they continue to labour.

“Result-wise I think Saturday is a bigger game for Bolton than for Preston,” he told The Bolton News. “You keep thinking ‘it’s got to turn’ but it just won’t.

“We’re well into the season now, so I think you are well within your rights to start worrying a little bit.

“I know a lot of fans are concerned and things have to start turning around soon or else you get cut adrift. One thing going for Bolton right now is that it’s only three or four points between 10 or 11 teams, but that can change quickly at this time of the year if you are not winning games.

“I got asked where both clubs would finish at the start of the season and I said 18th to 21st and my opinion hasn’t changed on that. But it has to start soon.”

Davies is optimistic that Shola Ameobi’s scoring debut against Leeds United could have a buoying effect on the dressing room, and on an attack that has struggled to score goals this season.

Wanderers and Preston are the division’s lowest scorers on 10 apiece but whereas Simon Grayson’s side have relied on goals from midfield, Davies is happy to see Lennon’s attack find a little form.

“Hopefully Ameobi coming in and scoring at the weekend can give the place a bit of a lift,” he said.

“He’s been around a while now and his motivation for coming to Bolton will be all about playing football. I’d hope his experience can help in the dressing room too.

“Gary Madine is up and running now, got a couple after a difficult start, so I’m sure Neil Lennon will be looking at those two and hoping they can keep plugging away, getting a goal here or there.

“Ultimately, the manager and his staff are the only ones who can turn this around and I look at the players in the squad, and I am convinced there is enough quality to be doing better than they are right now.”