THE waistlines might be a little thicker and the hairlines a little further back, but the dressing room banter will be as good as it ever was when Wanderers' Masters team go into action tonight at the MEN Arena.

Nine former Whites are preparing to pull on the white shirt once again, competing against veterans from Manchester United, Manchester City and Wigan Athletic.

The Masters is currently entering into its seventh season, and although Bolton have only competed on one other occasion - two years ago - they go into this year's event full of confidence.

"I think we will do better this year," said Tony Kelly, one of the former Burnden Park favourites preparing for the five-a-side spectacular.

"We didn't have enough legs last time, but it's a massive boost for us having Andy Walker - he should have plenty of goals in him and the lads love him. We all played under Bruce Rioch, so we know each other inside out. It's going to be great to be round the dressing room again."

Wanderers failed to win a game in their Masters debut in 2005, and did not compete last year, but the rejigged squad looks well-placed to challenge join favourites United and City for a place in September's Grand Final.

The appearance of striker Walker, in particular, should provide the goals which were lacking on their previous visit - while there are also some younger legs in Scott Green and Gary Parkinson. The Masters circuit is rapidly gaining in popularity, with international and European events now staged alongside the regular UK tournament.

A record 32 teams will take part in the 2007 Masters, with stars such as Gianfranco Zola, Paul Merson, Paul Gascoigne, Marc Overmars and Denis Bergkamp all in-line to play during the opening rounds. Round-robin games are played over eight minutes each way, with the top two teams facing off for a place in the Grand Final.

And Kelly hopes that Wanderers fans will turn out in force to cheer them on.

"It's a family atmosphere, so we hope as many fans as possible can get down there," he said.

"Obviously, the Manchester clubs are going to have a lot of support, but we hope we can create a bit of friendly rivalry.

"Most of the lads played in the Liverpool, Everton and Arsenal games, so we might be able to make it another white hot night."

Tickets can be bought on the door, priced at £14 for adults and £8 concessions.