Phil Parkinson: We're in this together

Phil Parkinson has called on the Wanderers faithful to be loud and proud in Tuesday night’s Sky Bet Championship clash with Millwall.

The Whites are looking to end a three-match losing streak when they come up against their East London counterparts at Macron Stadium, and speaking ahead of the game, the manager said, “We’re disappointed with our recent results, but this club belongs to the supporters and we’re looking for them to get right behind the team.

"I know it’s tough when you’re a supporter and the team have lost the last few games, but we’re all in this together.

"There are two games that stick in my mind when the fans have made a difference this season. In the Fulham game, we conceded an early goal and could have conceded another.

"I thought the fans really inspired the team on the day to grind out a very good performance. They stayed with us and enabled us to get an important point.

"In the Aston Villa game, on a freezing cold night, everybody spoke about the atmosphere at Macron Stadium.

"I realise the supporters need something to get behind, but they lifted the players in the Villa game where things weren’t going our way.”

Play-off chasing Millwall arrive at Macron Stadium unbeaten in their last 15 Sky Bet Championship matches, but Parkinson believes that the players are up to the challenge.  

"Millwall have had a good season and are one of the most in-form teams in the league, along with Wolverhampton Wanderers," he explained.

"We know how they play and what to expect. They’re going to be very competitive but we’re ready for it.

"I believe we’re capable of doing that but we need to stand strong and concentrate on all our roles and responsibilities on the pitch and put in a performance which gives us the best chance of getting the points.

"The lads enjoy playing at home and hopefully they’ll wear the Bolton shirt with pride."

In terms of the fitness of the squad meanwhile, captain Darren Pratley remains doubtful but Filipe Morais is battling back from a niggling injury which has kept him out of action since Good Friday.

"Filipe is looking a lot better which is good news for us," said the gaffer. "He’s got a real determination to get out there and play.

"Darren is also making progress – we’re frustrated that he can’t play at the moment but with a nerve injury it’s very difficult for the specialist to give a definitive answer on his return.

"The medical staff are doing everything they can to get him back involved."

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