Five Things: Bolton Wanderers 3-1 Fulham

1) The Worst Fulham Side to Ever Grace the Reebok?

Probably yes.

Apart from former Wigan Athletic man Hugo Rodallega, I struggled to recognise any of their starting eleven. Fair enough, they have sprinkled in a good number of youth products into the side, but the lack of my Football Manager stalwart Patrick Roberts disappointed from the start.

They were slow, lethargic and other words that basically mean rubbish. I really was not impressed, and quite frankly their 50 travelling fans deserved a better performance.

Someone told me afterwards that Fulham had paid £11m for their number 44 - Ross McCormack.

Wow. He wouldn't get in our reserve side based on that display.

2) Sir Barry of Bannan

He sounds like a character from Braveheart, but Barry Bannan was my Man of the Match last night. Before the game, I read an article on the BEN written by friend of LOV, Marc Iles, who reported that Dougie Freedman had tried previously to make Bannan a Bolton Wanderers player - on that showing you can understand why.

He barely wasted a pass, and showed his undoubted talent and class on several occasions. He often hit the ball first time, usually finding a white shirt. The cleverness of a man who has played at the highest level for a number of years was evident.

His lack of fitness told in the second half as he faded a little, but it was a hugely encouraging home debut from the wee fella.

I would like to see him playing a bit further forward in the 'Mark Davies' role, but despite this there can be few complaints from what was an excellent performance.

More of the same required on Saturday please Bazza.

3) Saidy Janko

Another highly impressive home debut from the on-loan Manchester United lad.

Janko began as a sort-of wing back, then was moved up front, and eventually found his home on the right wing. It took him a bit of time to get into the game, but when he became comfortable on the right flank he became a constant source of danger to the Fulham defenders.

He reminded me of Arsenal forward Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain - both in his build and in his approach to the game. Stocky and powerful, he often beat his man for pace before whipping in the sort of cross that you could imagine Craig Davies enjoying when he returns from injury.

His goal came at a great time, and it was a fantastic finish. I had a great angle on the strike in the East Lower, and am looking forward to seeing a replay (so if you have a video of it - send to me @19manning83).

I see no reason to drop him for Saturday - he's young and hungry, and should keep his place in what will be a tough game against Watford.

4) Players Playing on Empty

Eidur Gudjohnsen, Liam Feeney and Josh Vela look knackered.

The Icelandic striker surely could not have expected to play as many games by this time during his second spell at the club, but he is performing admirably and took his goal well last night.

Feeney is a strange and frustrating player, capable of excellence and great ineptitude during the same game, and often the same attack. Last night he had the beating of his man time after time, but again struggled in the second half as the task handed to him by Neil Lennon saw him roaming up and down the left flank.

Academy graduate Josh Vela has been in superb form lately, but the Fulham game was a rare off-night for the Salford-born Vela. His passing was sloppy and his usual energy going forward was somewhat lacking. I wouldn't be surprised to see him rested at the weekend.

Neil Danns was another who was poor, and looked in need of a rest - which is a bit surprising as he earned himself a week off following his daft red card against Liverpool.

The squad has recently been strengthened with January reinforcements, and I wonder whether Lennon will see fit to throw in another couple at the weekend to give some of his regular picks a breather.

5) Adam Le Fondre, Eidur Gudjohnsen and the Lesser Spotted Tom Eaves

I was interested to see Tom Eaves back on the Wanderers bench last night - the forward has not been seen around these parts in donkey's years.

As the game wore on, and forwards Adam Le Fondre and Eidur Gudjohnsen toiled without much reward, I wondered whether Mr Lennon would see fit to throw Eaves on, in order to shake things up a bit.

Conor Wilkinson was intended to provide that sort of alternative threat, but obviously did not have the experience or the physicality to perform that role, though his time may come in the future.

I would like to see Adam Le Fondre playing in the opposition box. Too often last night he was isolated between where he should be, and where he went in order to seek the ball. I really like his workrate and his desire to get involved, but I would also like to see him play in the penalty area and provide finishes to our build-up play.

I think the return of Craig Davies, whenever that may be, will give ALF the chance to return to his natural game, and I have no doubt that the goals will then flow.