Bolton Wanderers boss Sammy Lee received a boost with Irish midfielder Joey O'Brien making his comeback this week after 15 months on the sidelines.
Ricardo Gardner also made his return after pulling a hamstring in pre-season.
"I feel very good and have trained for the past couple of weeks," said O'Brien who, despite his comeback, is still some way short of a Premier League return. "After 15 months out, without a game, I am really looking forward to playing some football again."