The Number 23: Sammy or ALF?

What do Bolton Wanderers have in common with Jim Carrey? The Number 23.

For Jim Carrey, it's a 2007 psychological thriller about a man who develops an obsession with the 23 enigma, which is the idea that all incidents and events are directly connected to the number 23, or to some number connected to 23. It's a rare dramatic turn for Carrey, and it didn't work at all. It's an awful film, definitely no Batman Forever.

For Wanderers, it's the maximum number of first team players they are allowed because of the transfer embargo. It was finally clarified last Thursday by the EFL that the club was operating on a one in one out basis, with a squad size of 23 players. Despite the departures of Sammy Ameobi and Keshi Anderson, Chesterfield's reluctance to take Conor Wilkinson back means Bolton only have one space remaining in their squad.

I doubt that Phil Parkinson is sat at home scribbling the number 23 all over his face like Jim Carrey in the picture above, but with Darren Pratley now ruled out for the rest of the season, it must be massively frustrating trying to pick who to sign.

Throughout the January transfer window, two names have been constantly linked, Sammy Ameobi and Adam Le Fondre. Both are fan favourites, and either player could be the difference in making the automatic promotion places.

But, with only one space remaining in Wanderers' squad, who would make the bigger impact: Sammy Ameobi or Adam Le Fondre?

There are positives for both players. Sammy Ameobi brings a touch of flair and pace that Wanderers have missed since his departure at the start of the month. When he was on top form, Ameobi could lead an attack and cause real problems for opposition defenders. Bolton have also missed his ability to cut inside from the right wing and shoot.

You could argue Ameobi is more important than Le Fondre because of his creative abilities. Phil Parkinson has found a formation that work, and it remains to be seen if Le Fondre would be able to play in the 4-2-3-1. Le Fondre has also struggled for goals since leaving The Macron.

With Adam Le Fondre, Bolton would once again have a guaranteed goalscorer. His last spell with with club proved that. At this moment in time, Wanderers have three target men in Gary Madine, Jamie Proctor and Conor Wilkinson. There's also Zach Clough, although in my opinion, Clough is more of a number 10 than an out-and-out striker.

Le Fondre could be more vital than Ameobi because the club do not have a poacher, the recognised goalscorer. There have been times this season, most notably the defeats to Chesterfield and Rochdale, when Bolton have missed key chances and ended up losing points as a result.

Also, Bolton have plenty of options for the wings, with James Henry and Max Clayton more than capable of stepping up.

Both players could make a real difference, but who would you choose to sign: Le Fondre or Ameobi? Let us know in the comments box below.