THOUGH speculation continues over his position, Wanderers manager Phil Parkinson says he continues to receive honest graft from his players.

The Whites ended a torrid run of fixtures ahead of the November international break with a defeat to Swansea at the University of Bolton Stadium.

But while Parkinson has not seen his team earn a point – or find the back of the net – in four games, he can take solace in knowing he gets effort and commitment from his players.

“It’s very difficult to keep spirits up because football is all about winning games and we’re in it to get results. At the moment, it isn’t happening,” he said.

“If there was dishonesty in our performance or I felt players weren’t doing what I’d asked them to do, I’d be more disappointed. There are bits of detail which haven’t gone right but they are a very, very honest group of players. There are no egos in there. They are giving absolutely everything.

“We just can’t finish a move off at the moment.”

And it is the lack of goals that is supporters’ main concern, particularly since in the 11 outings in which they have conceded first only twice have they fought back to earn a point. But their battling qualities mean the Whites are staying in contention in games throughout this barren spell, and Parkinson will continue to back them to halt their slide.

“It’s not as if we’re conceding the first goal and crumbling as a team, I can’t tell you how much work we have done on starting games right,” he added. “I thought we did (against Swansea) but the lad has smashed an unbelievable strike in.

“We might have reacted better, the ref might have given a free kick, but I can’t say that conceding the first goal has affected the way we played.

“We carried on and showed bravery to keep trying to play the right way. We are not buckling and going on to lose three, four, five to nil. We just can’t get that goal.”

Meanwhile, Wanderers are reported to be keeping tabs on Cardiff winger Kadeem Harris.

The 25-year-old’s contract with the Bluebirds expires at the end of the season, with negotiations yet to begin over a new deal.

Harris, who made his first Premier League start of the season last Saturday, is also thought to have asked manager Neil Warnock for a move away last summer.

But Bolton would face stiff competition for Harris’ signature should they try to bring him in, with Leeds and Aston Villa also believed to be considering moves for the highly-rated wide man.