Holdsworth hoping to face Crewe

Bolton Wanderers hope to welcome back striker Dean Holdsworth for the visit of Crewe Alexandra on Saturday.

Holdsworth, who has been struggling with a groin injury and has made only one substitute appearance in the last 10 games, faces a late fitness test before a decision is made.

Fellow striker Michael Ricketts, who withdrew from Sunday's match with Watford at half time with a migraine, is also expected to be fit.

Full back Simon Charlton missed the chance to prove his fitness when Thursday night's reserve match with Oldham Athletic was postponed.

On-loan midfielder Carsten Fredgaard, who missed the Watford match through food poisoning, was also in the reserve squad and both Charlton and Fredgaard are in the frame for Crewe.

Crewe boss Dario Gradi has been handed a welcome boost ahead of the daunting Division One match at the Reebok Stadium.

Defender Steve Macauley has returned to training after his cartilage operation and will be back in Gradi's squad for the short trip to Lancashire.

But Crewe will have to make do without fellow defender Dave Walton who is ruled out with a hamstring problem.