WANDERERS have reached a crucial point in the battle but who’s up for the fight?

Local bragging rights play second fiddle at the Macron Stadium tonight, as three points are the only prize that matters to either side.

For Phil Parkinson’s men the pursuit of Championship football and an opportunity to truly exorcise the demons of last season.

For Lee Clark’s Shakers a chance for survival and to ensure the club does not take a backward step after the fine progress made at Gigg Lane in recent years.

The question Wanderers fans want to know is: Who’s in?

Which of Parkinson’s players want to prove people wrong for saying they were not good enough to play in the second tier?

“No effort, No Hope” screamed the banner at Derby County a year ago. At the time they were identifiable sentiments but since then many of the same players have rebuilt their reputation.

Who now is willing to go an extra mile and make themselves the poster boy of this promotion?

The issue of 17 out-of-contract players has hung around the club for several months and with three games remaining, neither Ken Anderson or Phil Parkinson wants to discuss what may, or may not be offered this summer.

It stands to reason, however, that some players could do themselves the world of good in the next 12 days when they get to the negotiating table.

Gary Madine is one of the key men whose deal expires yet a shoulder problem continues to render him unavailable. What cost is this having on his chances of staying at Bolton next season?

How Parkinson could use a timely return from his target man against Bury.

Jay Spearing was asked early in January what his intentions were at Wanderers and his answer was typically honest.

“Every game from now on is a trial to show how good I am,” he said. Oh, that his team-mates take note.

He is unquestionably one of the “warriors” described by chairman Anderson in his late-night column penned yesterday and if Wanderers get to where they want to be his professionalism should go down as an example to anyone coming out of contract at any level of the game.

Just as opinions have changed as this season wore on, the stigma of relegation gradually eroded, the last three games will go a long way towards how this team is viewed in the future.

No other Bolton Wanderers side has bounced back from this division at the first attempt.

Support has been unwavering and will be again tonight against Bury.

Who in a white shirt wants to make themselves a hero?