Helguson boost for Bolton

Helguson: Almost fit

Heidar Helguson is due to boost the Bolton Wanderers squad with a New Year return to the first team.

The Icelandic striker has not played since suffering an ankle injury in only his third appearance for the club in August.

He underwent surgery on the problem, but is now edging towards full fitness and could be available for selection in January.

Joey O'Brien, who has been sidelined since the end of October with a hamstring problem, is also back in training for the Premier League strugglers.

Trotters boss Gary Megson admits he is wary about risking either player, but has arranged a match to assess the duo's fitness.

Cotton wool

"We still have to wrap Heidar in cotton wool to make sure, now he's back, he stays with us," Megson told the club's official website.

"Joey has had three or four days training and, like Heidar, we can't rush things so there are more setbacks.

"But we've arranged a private friendly for a few of them."