Burnden Aces

Parkinson Challenges Le Fondre to Earn Bolton Place

• December 27, 2017 | By Chris Mann
• Short URL: http://b-ac.es/836c9

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• Adam Le Fondre, Phil Parkinson
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Phil Parkinson says he is finding it difficult to fit Adam Le Fondre into Bolton's current system, but has challenged the out-of-favour forward to earn a place in his team.

Le Fondre hasn't featured in any of the Trotters last five outings, since coming on as a late substitute in a 5-1 defeat at Wolverhampton Wanderers on November 25.

Parkinson has come under increasing scrutiny following Le Fondre's omission, something that was highlighted even further as Wanderers failed to register a single shot on target in their 2-0 defeat at Middlesbrough on Boxing Day.

Speaking to BBC Radio Manchester, Parkinson responded to the questions, saying: "Has he done enough when he's come off the bench? Probably not.

"Will Buckley came off the bench at Forest and got us a goal.

"Away from home, I've got to have all bases covered - and at home as well - to make sure I've got cover everywhere.

"It's not just a case of having a bench full of attacking players. You've got to make sure you don't leave yourself open.

"As I've said many times with Alfie - it's fitting him to a system.

"We started the season with 3-5-2 and we got exposed in that system. We feel our defenders are probably more suited to a back-four and it's just getting Alfie into a system.

"Can we play him wide? It's tough because you need pace and power in those areas - certainly at this level.

"He's had a period where he's had a bit of illness before Christmas and back in training this week, he's got to stake a claim to at least be on the bench."

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