WANDERERS are set to make their decision on ex-Sheffield Wednesday man Kieran Lee over the next week.

The experienced midfielder has been on trial at Lostock for the last couple of weeks and has impressed the Bolton backroom staff with his physical condition.

Lee has not played competitively since July, when he turned out for the Owls in the Championship against Middlesbrough and has had periodic issues throughout his career with a hip injury.

Ian Evatt is determined to make every check possible on the 32-year-old before committing to offering him a contract but admits what he has seen so far has been encouraging.

“He’s doing fantastically well and we’re not far off making a decision,” he said at his pre-Carlisle United press conference on Wednesday.

“He has trained excellently, his stats and running data are really good considering he hasn’t played since August but we are doing our due diligence.

“We have to limit the risk for this football club. There’s every chance that something can happen but we have to make sure we examine every avenue before that and limit the risk and exposure for us.

“We are not far away from doing that now, so hopefully we will have some news in the next weekend or so.”

Wanderers will welcome Andy Tutte back into the squad for their Boxing Day trip to Carlisle United but it remains to be seen if he will dislodge youngster George Thomason from the starting line-up.

“George has done outstandingly well in difficult circumstances," Evatt said. "Andrew is probably the only one who has an understanding of defensive responsibility and can see danger, has the mind of a defender, so picks up runners and loose balls, second balls.

“I think most of the others have different strengths. Sarce is more forward thinking, he has energy and quality. George is a passer and a possession builder.

“I think George’s pass completion on Saturday was 96 per cent, which for a teenager is brilliant. He’s a big talent and one that we want to progress and move forwards."