'Food for thought' - Bolton Wanderers team choice as Ipswich Town on horizon & youngsters' praise

Ian Evatt believes he has lots of food for thought for his Bolton Wanderers team selection in their League One season opener against Ipswich Town and believes his side's young players have been impressing in pre-season.

Wanderers travel to Portman Road to kick off their season against the Tractor Boys on July 30. It is now under a fortnight to go until the new season gets going.

Evatt's side lost their most recent pre-season friendly over the weekend against League Two side Carlisle United. The Cumbrians took the lead against the Whites as Ryan Edmondson capitalised on a defensive mix-up at the back for Bolton to put the hosts in front, before they doubled their advantage before half-time from a set piece after Ben Barclay headed home.

READ MORE: Derry City boss speaks after Bolton Wanderers transfer bid for Eoin Toal accepted

Wanderers halved the deficit after the break when Aaron Morley fired home from the penalty spot after former Carlisle midfielder Kyle Dempsey had been brought down in the box. But Carlisle restored their two goal advantage when another defensive lapse saw Kristian Dennis add their third which ensured a 3-1 victory for the hosts and Bolton's second loss for the first team in pre-season.

Despite the defeat, Evatt does not fear for his side's reaction due to the makeup of characters within the squad and how they conduct themselves. Bolton's final pre-season friendly is this Saturday at home to Huddersfield Town.

Morley was among the positives on the pitch from Saturday's game and Evatt believes fellow midfielder George Thomason has had a good pre-season too. Along with loanees James Trafford and Conor Bradley, Evatt pointed to the number of young players that are in his squad as they concentrate on