MJ Williams knows Wanderers will have to do the dirty work if they want to return to winning ways against Wycombe.

The midfielder expects another physical battle against League One’s third-placed side, who in Sam Vokes also have the division’s most effective aerial marksman.

The Wales international proved the difference when the two sides met in November at Adams Park on a day where Bolton defended manfully but could not take their chances.

Williams foresees tonight’s game following a similar script but hopes for a better outcome.

“We do know what’s coming and we have got to stand up against it, really,” he told The Bolton News.

“The boys did brilliantly for most of the game against Rotherham, defended a lot of crosses, even though the result might not have shown it.

“I thought that day for all the balls that came into the box we defended well and it’ll be the same against Wycombe. We have worked hard on the training ground looking at how to attack them, we have put work in since that Hartlepool game.

“There will be times when we feel under pressure but when you get the ball back you have got to be calm and put our stamp on the game.”

Williams found himself in the wars against Wycombe, dislocating his shoulder after an awkward fall.

It was feared at first that the influential midfielder could miss three months of football if surgery was required – but thankfully he returned within a few weeks. “When I went down with it the first thing I said to Matt (Barrass) was ‘how long is this going to rule me out for?’ I was absolutely gutted,” he said.

“Thankfully, I recovered quite quickly and the surgeon was impressed with how far I’d come after a week. I hadn’t been able to see him because I’d been ill, so that put me back.

“I did a bit of damage but it’s feeling good now and I’m delighted to be back out there again.”

Wanderers said goodbye to last season’s top scorer, Eoin Doyle, last week. And Williams admits the Dubliner will be missed by the squad.

“Doyler is a top lad and we were gutted to see him go, but we are happy for him because we know how much he loves it at home in Ireland,” he said.

“He is going to be a big loss because he was great around the changing rooms, had the experience of playing in the league, but we can only wish him the best. I’m sure we will stay in contact.”

Doyle’s departure has led to Gethin Jones being promoted to the vice captaincy role, and Williams believes his fellow Welshman – back in action after a fractured leg - is the right man for the job.

“Geth is a top lad and a real leader, one of the loudest on the pitch. He carries himself brilliantly and he deserves it,” he said.

“Before his injury he was absolutely brilliant for us but I am made up to see him back on the training ground now and hopefully we can get him back on the pitch very soon.”