Bolton Wanderers manager Keith Hill has revealed that it will be some time yet before midfielder Ronan Darcy returns to action, after the 19-year-old suffered a setback in his recovery from a foot injury.

Darcy hasn't featured in any of the Trotters last four games due to injury, and was absent from the matchday squad for their 2-0 defeat at MK Dons on Saturday afternoon, despite originally being lined up for a place on the bench in that game.

Explaining the reasons behind Darcy's eventual absence from the matchday squad, Hill told the Bolton News: “We had a big setback with Ronan. He is just not quite ready on the training pitch.

“I felt he would have been a great player to have brought on as a replacement for Ali Crawford. He definitely won’t be ready for Blackpool (on Tuesday night). It’s a shame because I thought we would have him available."

Explaining how this latest setback appears to have come about, Hill continued: “We didn’t take a gamble but he was ready to go Thursday, he had a fitness test and trained Friday and broke down.

“It’s sad for Ronan but he’s got a long and prosperous career in front of him and we’re looking forward to getting him back.”

Can you identify these current Bolton players from their previous clubs?

Darcy was one of several youngsters called up to the first-team in the absence of a number of senior players at the start of the campaign, and his since gone on to establish himself as a regular in Bolton's side when fit.

So far this season, the teenager has made 20 appearances in all competitions for Wanderers, scoring twice for the seemingly League Two bound side, who are 20 points from safety with 14 games of the season remaining.

The Verdict

This will surely be frustrating for Bolton.

Darcy has been hugely impressive for them when available this season, so it is no surprise to see that Hill is keen to have him back sooner rather than later.

Indeed, you have to feel that the impetus and desire to impress by the young midfielder could have been useful for Bolton over the past few weeks, as they look to bring an end to this poor run they are currently on.

For Darcy too this will be a source of disappointment, as you feel he will desperate to back to action as soon as possible, having enjoyed his first taste of regular first-team football this season.