Megson to field fringe players in Red Star clash

Bolton manager Gary Megson believes he has no option but to field a team full of fringe players in their UEFA Cup clash with Red Star Belgrade tonight.

While a victory is almost essential in Belgrade if the Trotters are to progress from the group stages, Megson is more concerned about domestic matters.

That is why he has ordered six key players to rest up ahead of the home game against fellow strugglers Wigan on Sunday.

Nicolas Anelka, Kevin Davies, Kevin Nolan, Andy O’Brien, Ricardo Gardner and goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen have all remained at home.

Megson admits it is a dilemma trying to pick specific teams for specific games and cites the case of Steve Coppell last season when the Reading boss intimated that his fast-improving side were not ready for Europe.

Megson said: “Some thought it was a bit strange for Steve to say what he did.

“But he was fully aware of the squad he had and the problems Europe would create.

“So we are in a similar situation although we have been in the Premier League a lot longer than Reading.

“Given where we are in the league we have to prioritise. It’s a must.”

Megson took the squad training last night – on an outside pitch rather than the main Red Star one which was heavy – and insisted his stand-ins can do the job.

He continued: “The ones who are here are all well paid. They all want to play in the first team.

“This is an opportunity for them to show what they can do. Everyone is part of the squad and have a chance to stake a claim in the team.

“While the league is our priority, we want to do as well as we can in the UEFA Cup.”

Red Star are expecting a crowd of around 32,000 after dropping into the UEFA Cup from the Champions League following their 1-0 aggregate loss to Rangers.

Defender Nicky Hunt is looking forward to pitting his wits against the Serbian side after missing the 2-2 draw with Bayern Munich in Germany through injury.

Hunt said: “It is exciting for me to be involved in the UEFA Cup. We want to progress and go as far as possible.

“I was disappointed to miss out on the Munich game but hopefully I will get my chance in Belgrade and help the side get through.”