Why Bolton Wanderers have not rotated duo during busy February fixture success explained

Ian Evatt admits he has kept faith with wing-backs Marlon Fossey and Declan John during Bolton Wanderers' run of great form as the duo have made it hard for him to take them out of the team with their performances.

Fulham loanee Fossey and John have been near ever presents on the right and left flanks respectively since Wanderers switched to a back three in the middle of January.

That change has been one of several factors behind their run of eight wins in the last 10 games which has brought them into contention for the League One play-offs.

READ MORE: Bolton Wanderers boss Ian Evatt on MK Dons, team selection, play-offs message & opposition view

During the run of Saturday-Tuesday fixtures throughout the past month, John and Fossey have remained in the team while others have been taken out of the side to be rested or give others an opportunity to show what they can do.

Evatt believes despite the duo's excellent form, there have been some drop offs in midweek encounters, but understands this as performing the role demands a lot of energy and contribution at both ends of the pitch.

With the fixture schedule now easing after the weekend, Evatt hopes that the pair's energy levels can recover as he shed light on why he has kept faith

Evatt said: "I just think they’ve done so well that it’s hard to take them out. During the run, I think we have seen a drop off with their performances on Tuesday nights.

"If you go back through all the fixtures we’ve had on Tuesdays – Burton, Cambridge to some extent – there has been a bit of a drop off because it is so difficult.

"I think their best games have been on Saturdays when they’ve had a bit of a longer break. It’s a tough position to play because we expect so much of them.

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