Bolton Wanderers' Right Back Options - Or Lack Thereof

So the news has landed - Bolton Wanderers' attacking right back Lawrie Wilson has been ruled out for 10 weeks with a hamstring injury.

Being out of contract, it may well mean that Wilson has played his final game for the club.

That's all well and good - but we need a replacement. Let's look at the candidates:

Derik Osede

The former Real Madrid man has played at RB before, but without much success. Derik believes that he is a midfielder first and foremost, and I would concur. Trouble is - Phil Parkinson doesn't like to play him in his correct position so there is every chance he'll end up back in the defensive line.

Likelihood - Strong

David Wheater

Our ex-Middlesbrough man has forged a strong partnership with Mark Beevers and you would expect Parkinson to be loathe to change that - but in the absence of other choices, then he may not have the luxury of choice. Despite that, moving him across creates a gap in the centre of defence, so his inclusion at RB could just be solving one problem, but creating another.

Likelihood - Weak

Josh Vela

From the great form he showed at Christmas - few would argue that Vela hasn't gone backwards a little lately. A victim of his versatility, Vela has moved around the midfield and has, as a result, lost some of his impetus. Played as RB under Neil Lennon, Vela struggled in the role, in my opinion, with a lack of pace being his main problem. It would be a loss to the midfield to see him dropped back in there.

Likelihood - Weak

Dorian Dervite

The former Tottenham Hotspur man hasn't been seen in a white shirt for months now (a relief, to some) but is another who has been known to drop in at RB from time to time. It would be a risk, but then we are desperate.

Likelihood - Moderate

A.N. Other

A trialist? Maybe. Ivan Bandalovski is on trial at the moment and has a reasonable pedigree. Most importantly, he's available and, you would expect, fairly cheap.

Someone from the ranks? Alex Honeyball played there on Monday night for the u23 team. Another square peg in a round hole, but it was desperation that caused a young defender from the academy ranks last time out - and that worked out well for Bolton Wanderers, for Rob Holding, and for Arsenal.

Likelihood - Fuck knows

Tom Thorpe

The ex-Manchester United utility man has made a home for himself in front of the defence, for better or worse, and has divided fans with his....ahem minimalist performances. A converted defender, he would have the required nous to undertake the change of role - an added bonus is that it would keep him away from midfield too.

Likelihood - Erm I suppose