PHIL Parkinson is not struggling for options as he seeks to redress Wanderers’ weekend blip against QPR.

Standards dropped in front of home fans on Saturday but the Bolton boss draws some solace from the fact standards have been high in training.

Parkinson dropped a hint he is considering freshening up his line-up at the Riverside tonight when he name-checked two players who have been on the periphery.

“There are players staking a claim to be in the team.

“We left Josh Vela out the other day but against West Brom and Reading I thought he was our best player.

“Erhun Otzumer is chomping at the bit for an opportunity.

“With Sammy Ameobi out there’s a chance for someone to come in and show their quality.”

Ameobi’s ankle ligament injury is expected to keep him out of action into October but while that news has put a dent in Wanderers’ preparations, Parkinson feels his team can adapt without the enigmatic winger.

“In that type of game, where QPR had dropped in quickly and restricted space, he’s the best player we’ve got at unlocking that,” he said.

“But we have played without Sammy before and we have got to find a formula which makes sure we carry a threat going forward.

“I think we can. We have definitely got some character in this side, which has shown through the three away games. We need to respond to the weekend.”

Boro were beaten for the first time this season on Saturday at Norwich and sit fourth in the table.

Tony Pulis’s side have been tipped by many for a return to the Premier League having missed out in last season’s play-offs.

And with Parkinson also hinting at a change in formation, he feels the way his side starts the game tonight could be key to getting a result.

“I’ve seen them a few times recently, they’ve been playing three at the back,” he said.

“They got a first defeat at the weekend, so we need to add to that.

“We need to improve on our own performance levels from the weekend, and what a great place to go and do it.

“There is an expectancy because of the money and backing the chairman has been able to give Tony (Pulis) and Garry Monk before him and that’s unavoidable.

“We need to start the game well and try to get the crowd edgy. We need to be resilient.”