JOEY O’Brien looks set to be reunited with Gary Megson after agreeing to join Sheffield Wednesday on loan until the end of the season.

The Wanderers midfielder pulled out of last night’s reserves game against Bury and is expected to join the struggling League One club before Thursday’s window closes, providing the two clubs can come to an agreement.

O’Brien, out of contract at the end of the season, is desperate to get first-team football under his belt as he continues his recovery from a career-threatening knee injury.

And the 25-year-old Irishman, who has not played for Wanderers since October 2008, hopes a spell with Megson, the former Bolton boss, will help reignite his career.

John Henry’s side, meanwhile, need to beat Stockport in their final group game to guarantee a place in the Manchester Senior Cup final for a fourth year in a row after thrashing Bury at Leyland’s County Ground.

Tom Eaves put Wanderers in front on seven minutes with his 10th goal in 13 games - but the striker was guilty of missing three more excellent opportunities to wrap up the tie before half time.

Max Harrop punished Bolton’s profligacy on the half-hour mark when he equalised with a deflected shot.

But the hosts were back in front a minute after the restart when McGeechan ran onto Adam Blakeman’s delightful through ball to score.

Only Richie Branagan, son of former Wanderers goalkeeper Keith, prevented Wanderers running up a cricket score with a series of fine saves but even he was helpless as three goals in the last three minutes from Liam Irwin, Tope Obadeyi and Jack Sampson completed the rout. Wanderers: Lainton, Riley, Blakeman, McQuade, Connolly, Sheridan (Irwin 64), McGeechan, Vela, Eaves (Sampson 68), O’Halloran (Threlkeld 63), Obadeyi. Subs not used: Lynch.

Bury: Branagan, Melia, Rothwell, McGonigle, Jones, Mangan, McCarthy (Jennings 78), Joyce (McLaughlin 58), Hudson, Harrop (Loftus 78), Dawson. Subs not used: Dibble.