CHRIS Long returns from suspension against Gillingham tonight free from the fitness issues which have affected his loan at Wanderers so far.
The jet-heeled striker scored in only his second appearance for the Whites, against Walsall, but was unable to build on an encouraging start because of issues with his hamstring.
A red card picked up in the 1-1 home draw with Bristol Rovers forced him to sit out the last two games but Parkinson says time out of the spotlight has been good for the 22-year-old striker and he comes back into contention at Priestfield.
“We’re pleased to have Chris back,” he said.
“He’s had a bit of a broken start to his Bolton career but he looks a dangerous player.
“The goal he got in one of his first games as sub, in training, he can score them from all angles.
“He’s had a good week, which was important because prior to that he’d had a few problems with some tightness in his hamstring.
“Now we’ve been able to have a good week with him and he’ll benefit from it.
“It’s good to have him back available.”
Gillingham boss Adrian Pennock believes his team should have vengeance on their minds after a 4-0 humbling at the Macron in front of the Sky Sports cameras earlier in the season.
“Bolton are a very good side,” stated Pennock.
“I said before Saturday that Scunthorpe beat us 5-0 at their place so there was a bit of revenge going on.
“With Bolton I saw the game on TV and they beat us 4-0 so we’ve got to do the same.
“It’s all about getting the three points.
“Bolton have got some very good players but we have to put on another good performance.”
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