Bolton have found themselves in 11th place in League One with just seven games to go in the third tier this season and with the play-offs still a possibility, Ian Evatt has told his players on international duty to 'come back in one piece' ahead of the Wigan game (as per The Bolton News).

Wanderers may have only just broken back into League One after some time in the fourth tier but they've already made quite an impact a division higher, breaking into the top half in their new league.

There is currently a nine point difference between themselves and Sunderland in sixth place and whilst the gap is large - and a top half finish would be acceptable by Bolton's standards for a first year back - there is still time to push for a play-off place.

It won't be easy and they'll need most of the other teams around them to drop points too but anything is possible in the EFL. Ian Evatt certainly believes that his side can continue to push on and has urged those in his side who are heading off on the international break with their countries to keep match fit and prepare for their clash against Wigan.

That should be a big game, with the Latics flying high and sitting in second in League One. With their games in hand, Leam Richardson's side could even end up overtaking Rotherham and winning the title.

Add in the fact that the game is already a derby and it should ramp up the pressure - and how meaningful the result is - even more. Evatt is certainly up for the fixture, as he told The Bolton News: "We’ve got seven cup finals to go and obviously a huge one at Wigan when we return from the international break.

"I think, to be honest, Baka hurt his calf when he came on so whether he will travel or not, I don’t know. That is a bit of a worry at the moment.

"We hope and wish our lads all the best and well over the international break. But other than that we wish them well and just come back in one piece. We will prepare properly for Wigan as we always do and give it our best shot."

The Verdict

Ian Evatt has managed to get his Bolton side playing some fantastic football at times and now they're getting the results too and have snuck into the top half of the table.

It's an excellent return to the third tier for the club and whilst they might not be able to sneak into the play-off places this year, it certainly gives them a good platform for them to build on ahead of next season. If they can get a win over Wigan though it would be a huge statement of intent.

Wanderers do have the ability to do so too. They beat Sunderland 6-0 when they were managed by Lee Johnson and they've also seen off Oxford too and both teams have been in the play-off spots and gunning for promotion this season.

It wouldn't be a surprise then to see Bolton pull off another upset against Wigan - and if they do, then the play-off dream might be alive after all.