PHIL Parkinson plotted his January spending plan this week – but insists some players could yet change his mind.

Four games remain between now and the start of the winter transfer window, starting with Saturday’s six-pointer against struggling Burton.

It is understood the Wanderers boss is seeking three new signings to strengthen the survival bid although he hinted yesterday some members of his squad could yet press their claim.

“We know where we’d like to improve,” he told The Bolton News. “We had a chat with the chairman earlier in the week, with our scouting department, which was good. But we want the players in the squad to show us over the next couple of weeks that we don’t need to bring too many players in. They need to show they can take on that mantle and keep the club in the division.

“We are planning like everyone else is. We know what we would like to do – but as I’ve said it isn’t easy getting players in January. It might be one or two convince us we don’t need to make changes.”

Darren Pratley’s chances of facing Burton have improved, and the club captain is expected to train as normal this morning after a knee problem. But Adam Le Fondre is likely to sit out after suffering with tonsillitis.

Parkinson is wary of his players – and indeed the Macron crowd – underestimating tomorrow’s opponents, who have won just once in their last 13.

“I hope we don’t – and they have got a reputation for coming away from home and sitting back, making life difficult,” he said. “It will be one of those afternoons where we have to be patient and disciplined.

“I don’t want us to go away from what we have been doing, and why should we? Our points return recently at home has been good.

“Burton – I can assure everyone – will be fighting. Supporters have got to come with the understanding that things might not go all our own way. They have to stick together.”