Fit Trotters the key to success - boss

Gary Megson has admitted that he needs his key Bolton players to avoid injuries if the club is going to enjoy a good season.

The Trotters boss watched his side endure a disappointing run of results through September after losing several first-team stars to injury and suspension. However with Matt Taylor, Johan Elmander and Gary Cahill all back in the team at West Ham last Sunday, Bolton romped to an impressive 3-1 victory - a first win since the opening-day success against Stoke at the Reebok.

As a result Megson is now keeping his fingers crossed that none of his players pick up any problems during the current international break.

He told the Bolton Evening News: "We need players to stay fit.

"We played very well against Stoke and won 3-1, but that's the last time we had that team available.

"For the last five games before West Ham, we didn't have Cahill, Elmander and Matty Taylor all available - and that makes a difference."