WANDERERS could welcome hot prospect Luca Connell back to first team action by the start of March, The Bolton News understands.

The 17-year-old midfielder, who has been a breath of fresh air since graduating to the first team under Phil Parkinson, got good news from specialists earlier this week after a scan on a calf injury.

Connell had limped out of the 2-1 defeat to Preston North End and it was feared he could have suffered a significant tear. But doctors believe he will be back in contention in a fortnight, which could mean he is involved as early as the trip to Swansea City on March 2.

The news has been well received within the Wanderers camp – particularly with the loss of fellow midfielder Gary O’Neil to a calf injury on Tuesday night at Birmingham City.

Norwich City are the next visitors to the University of Bolton Stadium, with Wanderers fans encouraged to wear retro shirts to the game in support of the Bolton Dementia Action Alliance.

Wanderers have designated the game a 'Memories Match' to raise the awareness of dementia, social isolation and loneliness, alongside promoting Bolton Wanderers Community Trust’s Sporting Memories sessions that take place once a month at the stadium.

Callum Connolly, whose goal secured victory at St Andrews, says Tuesday night's result has added an air of confidence to the dressing room, and hopefully the terraces.

“For the last few weeks results haven’t been going our way,” he said. “There are some tough games for the next couple of weekends but a result like that stands you in good stead.

“It’s massive for everyone, not just the players but it gave the fans a bit of belief as well.

“It has been a tough few months but the lads are very honest in that changing room, as are people around the club. Yeah, we know where we are in the table, but we know what a few wins would do.

"So we need to take all the positive things we can from that game now and take it into Saturday against Norwich."

Connolly says he has settled quickly since agreeing to cut short a loan deal with Wigan Athletic on deadline day to join Wanderers until the end of the season from Everton.

And though the odds are still stacked heavily against them escaping the bottom three, he is looking forward to locking horns with Norwich and Leeds over the next two weekends.

"We're playing the top two sides in the division, which is tough and we will have to see what happens, but to have got a win under our belts is a big thing, so bring it on," he said.