Player Ratings: Bolton Wanderers 3-2 Sheffield Wednesday

This is how the lads got on in our second round 'Carabao Cup' game against Sheffield Wednesday:

Ben Alnwick - 6

As I've said before, Alnwick is my favoured 'keeper and allowed me to keep that opinion on Tuesday, despite conceding two goals. Unable to do much about either goal and proving a better shot stopper, better distributor and and a better communicator with the defence, Alnwick should be the starting 'keeper tomorrow against Hull. Would've given higher if he hadn't of conceded the two, irrespective of whether it was his fault or not, it still goes against him unfortunately, 6.

Mark Little - 7

Little impressed me on Tuesday and strengthened my theory that we should switch to 4-4-2 with him at right back. Looking solid down in his composed defending and surprisingly tricky going forward, Little could definitely make that position his own should we revert to four at the back, 7.

Stephen Darby - 5

I try to give Darby every chance to prove me wrong, but its just not happening. Stephen isn't good enough to be a regular fixture in the squad and re-itterated that to us against The Owls. Again, in his un-favoured position, I could be deemed to be harsh, but even at right back, he's not Championship quality I'm afraid to report, regardless of his goal-line clearance towards the end which I must mention, apparently... 5.

Dorian Dervite - 7

I can't believe I'm saying this, but Dervite has won me round. After a poor spell in the Championship last time round, having limited game time last season and making a slow start to this season, Dervite is actually starting to prove us critics wrong. I hope he continues this good form, he showed signs of a proper centre half on Tuesday which I'm really encouraged by and even managed to bag himself a goal, well in! Keep going Dorian, 7.

Antonee Robinson - 7

I always look forward to seeing a brand new face with a clean slate and everything ahead of him, particularly when they have the confidence that he does. I'm a huge fan of Andrew Taylor but I have a feeling that come Christmas, he's going to have a real fight to retain his place. His bursts of pace, composure and his ability to stand up to the big lads and put in a proper challenge is a real asset to the team. Again, he's another who I hope continues his good form, keep going lad, 7.

Jem Karacan - 8

He's not a hidden gem, but he certainly kept his leadership skills quiet, Jem was brilliant in the middle and put right his poor performance on Saturday and earnt all our support back. He's by far the superior skipper to Prately, but thats not hard. Not to take anything away from his performance though, Jem was his usual agile self who controlled the midfield and knocked the ball around nicely as per usual, well done Jem, 8.

Derik - 8

My man of the match, what a performance from the Spaniard. A player who certainly had a point to prove did it in style on Tuesday and will now surely be equally considered for selection as the other lads despite looking out of favour before now. Derik is vital and is suited down to the ground with his holding midfield role, he needs to become a permanent fixture again because I can't cope with Pratley anymore. Excellent performance Dez, 8.

Will Buckley - 7

Another one of those who stood out to me against his former team however, his discipline is letting him down big time. Its positive that we now have a midfielder who's not afraid to charge forward, almost reminds me of Sparky, which is promising but theres a few things. One, he's better as a winger because theres better central players and the left midfield position isn't currently occupied and wouldn't be if we switched to 4-4-2 either, makes sense to switch it then, no? Secondly, he gave away far too many fouls and was lucky not to see a red by the time 90 minutes rolled round. If he's careful and keeps his head, he should be alright, lets hope these little creases can be ironed out eh? After all, he's definitely worth picking, thats for sure, 7.

Aaron Wilbraham - 6

Bless him he tries, but I can only see this ending up one way, I've already heard whispers of how similar he is to Jamie Proctor. I hope he isn't and can prove us wrong before we give up on him because his height and physicality is a real asset, he just needs a goal. His assist on Saturday was promising, but we need more from the big man if he's going to stay in contention with places now up for grabs as Parky looks to find the winning formula, 6.

Adam Armstrong - 7

Armstrong continues to impress me, pace, skill, agility, not afraid to shoot and a ball player, what more can you ask. He's not helped by the relentless long-ball strategy as that naturally goes against him which needs to be altered so going forward, it can work in Adam's favour. A cracking penalty for the second goal I must add, that second striker's place is definitely up for grabs if he wants it.

Subs

Darren Pratley - 4

This is becoming a weekly thing isn't it, ah dear. What can I say, he's getting worse. Its obvious to everyone in the stadium that Pratley isn't good enough and his role on Tuesday should be enough to ensure he's kept out for a while now. 3-0 up to 3-2 in about fifteen minutes after Pratley's introduction, and its no coincidence either. I am assured in that I feel Parky can spot a problem a mile off, he saw it with Darby, he must now see it in Pratley. We now also have enough to take on the captaincy so that shouldn't even be an issue now. It's time for change, 4.

Adam Le Fondre - 6

Didn't get much of a chance to make an impact but certainly frightened the tiring defence going forward and played like his usual-nightmare to play against-self. Would've given higher had he been given longer, still my favoured striker, 6.

Filipe Morais - 6

Similar to Alfie, very limited in his ability to make an impact in the time given to him. Ignited the handbags which was good fun to watch but must've been awful to be on the end of such a horrendous challenge from he who shall not be named as anything other than a little swine. Feel for Filipe, but bound to return to the starting line-up on Friday night which is always a positive, 6.

Referee - 6

Relatively impressed by his in-game decisions, just ruined it when he decided to send Parky off for absolutely no reason at all, dealt with the bemusingly enraged Carvalhal well though, what a strange man he is.