Kean calls for courage

Even that might not be enough to save Kean such is the savaging he has been getting from fans and the local media.

But defeat for his injury-hit team, against the only side below them in the top flight, would almost certainly bring the curtain down on an ill-fated 12 months in charge.

"When you are in the position ourselves and Bolton are in you accept and expect there is going to be a bit of stick coming your way. You have to face it up and accept it," he said.

"We understand the magnitude of this game. It is a six-pointer. They are not in a very good run, we are losing in the last seconds of games, which is disappointing.

"We have to show courage, get on the ball and get after them from the first minute."