YOU could be forgiven for thinking confidence at Wanderers had taken quite a hit during September.

But Phil Parkinson feels if his players can start today’s match on the front foot they are more than capable of adding to hosts Ipswich’s own predicament.

Wanderers have collected just a single point from four outings since beating Birmingham on August 22. But, having seen his side more than match the much-fancied Middlesbrough in the second half on Wednesday night, the manager says the belief can begin to flow once more.

“We’ve spoken to the lads today about starting games positively,” he told the Bolton News. “We can’t hide from the fact we’ve been reacting to going a goal behind, so if we can work hard from the start we can get the first goal, which is so important.

“It’s not going to be easy at Ipswich, I watched their game against Brentford on Tuesday and I know Paul [Hurst, manager] will be pleased with how they did in the second half.

“They played well and got a good point against a Brentford side that’s flying high in the league.

“They are at the bottom but we’re expecting a tough match, they have lost some tight games, those are fine margins.”

Wanderers will be without injured duo Sammy Ameobi and Andy Taylor at Portman Road this afternoon but Jack Hobbs is available following his first-half substitution at Middlesbrough for a gash to the head.

But Parkinson is retaining his own confidence, happy to put his faith in whichever of his players is on duty today.

“Jack is fine, he could have continued on Wednesday night but it would have just taken too long,” he added. “It was a shame because he’s worked hard and waited patiently for his chance but we’re happy to have Mark Wilson in there.

“Obviously losing Sammy is a blow and it’s disappointing for Tayls, he’s had a bit of a setback and he’ll be a couple more weeks, but Groundsy [Jonathan Grounds] is up to speed, we’re happy with how he’s done.

“We have quality players coming in, we have to utilise the squad when we have games coming Wednesday-Saturday, like most teams will. We’re looking in good shape physically and we’re looking to hopefully add to Ipswich’s problems.”