Flynn's battle for fitness

CALF STRAIN . . . Athletic striker Ryan Flynn hasn't trained since the morale-boosting victory at Gillingham

KEY man Ryan Flynn is facing a race against time in order to take his place as Athletic's creative fulcrum at Bolton tomorrow.

Flynn (28) has been an increasingly prominent figure for Stephen Robinson's side, never more so than in an effort at Gillingham last week that featured his match-winning goal.

It was former Sheffield United man Flynn's second for the club, following on from a solo effort against Wigan in the EFL Cup.

While the midfielder will ideally be ready to take to the field as Athletic bid for a third straight victory at the Macron Stadium, a calf strain has kept him out of this week's on-field sessions.

"Ryan has not trained since the Gillingham game," Robinson said. "He is having treatment, so we will have to see how he responds."

The return to the fray after international duty of Northern Ireland under-21 duo Cameron Dummigan and Ryan McLaughlin at least presents Robinson with options in the event of Flynn not being passed fit.

Winger Calaum Jahraldo-Martin is also back after two 90-minute outings for Antigua and Barbuda and could possibly take a place on the substitutes' bench.

Whoever does play will need to be prepared to face a Bolton outfit, currently stationed in a play-off position, that Robinson believes is very strong from dead ball situations.

Athletic have proven vulnerable from set-plays at times this season and have worked on defending them this week.

"They have got some big players and Phil Parkinson will certainly have them well-organised," said Robinson.

"We know that with their size and physical presence they will be dangerous at set plays and that is something that we have worked on.

"I believe they are the biggest club in the division and if you look at the players they have available on the bench and not just in the starting team, it's clear they have an excellent squad.

"They have won their last two games so I am sure they will be confident. But we have done that as well and there is no shortage of confidence on our part.

"It's a tough game but one the players are looking forward to, at a great place to play football in the Macron Stadium.

"We travel with no fear at all."

With over 1,000 supporters expected to go to the Macron Stadium tomorrow - Bolton have confirmed Athletic fans can pay on the day - it is a chance for Robinson's side to impress in front of a large audience.

"I don't think many of the fans have seen the team at its best recently," Robinson admitted.

"We have played well at home at times this season, as against Walsall.

"It would be nice to show what I am sure will be a large number of our fans at Bolton how we played at Charlton, Fleetwood and Gillingham."

Athletic (probable, 4-4-2): Ripley; Wilson, Clarke, Burgess, Reckord; Winchester, Green, Fane, McLaughlin; Erwin, Ladapo.

Subs (from): Kettings, Law, Dummigan, Dunne, Klok, Woodland, Banks, Croft, Jahraldo-Martin, Osei, Mckay.