Phil Parkinson has laid down a challenge to his faltering strikers ahead of tonight's relegation clash with Reading.

Speaking to the Bolton News, Parkinson said: “In terms of the striking department, I think in general most of them have looked better coming off the bench. It would be great from my point of view if someone can put their head above the parapet and makes me mould the team around them."

Since the departure of Gary Madine, the Wanderers boss has been rotating his remaining strikers with little success.

Aaron Wilbraham, Zach Clough, Adam Le Fondre and Tyler Walker have all featured alongside first-choice Sammy Ameobi. However, all five have only managed seven league goals, with Ameobi responsible for four of those.

“Whoever gets the nod against Reading, if they go and bang one in the back of the net then they might make it impossible to leave them out of the team," said Parkinson. With his side in desperate need of points, the need for goals couldn't be greater.

Even Ameobi, the regular partner to Madine before his departure, has only managed a solitary goal since Halloween, that coming as Bolton beat Bristol City 1-0 at the start of February.

Trotters fans have been quick to react to Parkinson's comment, pointing out that only Zac Clough has scored from open play this season as well as lamenting their team's rather direct approach.