EFL pundits Jobi McAnuff and Sam Parkin reckon Wanderers and Derby will struggle to catch the top sides in League One this season.

The Whites suffered a 2-1 defeat at Pride Park despite Kieran Sadlier’s late goal. Nathaniel Mendez-Laing and Conor Hourihane were both on target for the hosts in front of more than 30,000 supporters.

The result leaves Ian Evatt’s men 14 points off the automatic promotion places despite a strong run of form in recent weeks.

McAnuff believes it will be tough for any side to catch the current top three but says Derby are the most likely at this stage of the campaign.

The former Reading and Watford midfielder highlighted Mendez-Laing and Tom Barkhuizen’s impact in breaking down the Bolton defence.

Speaking as a pundit on the EFL highlights show, he said: “If there is one team who makes that late surge (for the automatic spots) it is certainly going to be Derby on current form.

“Barkhuizen and Mendez-Laing popped up with the (first) goal, a real threat all afternoon. Switching wings, they really couldn’t deal with them.

“From Paul Warne’s point of view, he will be really pleased they have turned those draws where they were consistent and performing well – they just couldn’t find that cutting edge but they have certainly done that in recent weeks.”

Ex-Luton and Swindon striker Parkin also reckons it will be “tough” to make up ground on the current leaders.

He was impressed with Derby’s defensive display against Wanderers despite being without Eiran Cashin and Louie Sibley.

Parkin also felt the experience of Hourihane and McGoldrick was crucial as Wanderers’ unbeaten run came to an end.

He added: “I think it is going to be tough now (to catch the top sides), there is no margin for error.

“Today, (Derby were) defensively a bit patched up. Cashin has been excellent for him, he was missing. Sibley as well.

“But they have got the experience of Hourihane and McGoldrick. We know (Warne) has had success at this level so with a better squad, he can really achieve with them.”

Evatt’s men are back in action on Tuesday night when they welcome Forest Green to the University of Bolton Stadium.