WANDERERS boss Ian Evatt can’t wait to have Lloyd Isgrove and Josh Sheehan back in contention this season.

Both players joined the squad at their pre-season training base in Portugal and are well on in their recovery from long-term injury.

Sheehan ruptured his cruciate ligament playing against Stockport County in the FA Cup in November, whereas Isgrove tore his hamstring for the second time in a reserve team game against Fleetwood in March.

Wanderers have not yet put a timeframe on either players’ return – although the start of the League One season is considered too soon.

But after seeing Sheehan and Isgrove involved in the gym and training pitches at the base in Lagos, Evatt is relishing the prospect of having them fit and available once again.

“Izzy is not quite ready to join in the sessions yet but it is good to have him out here with the group and doing certain things,” he explained.

“Josh has been in and out, not able to fully join in yet but he isn’t far away. “He has done great and it is like having a new signing. Josh, in particular, is a player I think can have a huge impact this season. It is great to have them both back.”

Kieran Lee missed the Portugal trip to be at home with his partner during the birth of their third child, which has now arrived safe and sound.

“Family always comes first and always will,” said the Bolton boss. “He has been training back home with the B Team to keep up his strength and I wish them good luck.

“It has been a really good week, and I have really enjoyed having them here 24-seven. They will say it is hard work, they will say it has been tough, but we are actually being paid to be here. It was a great opportunity.”

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