Neil Lennon believes Bolton’s Friday night opponents Norwich boast the best squad in the Championship but says his side are looking forward to the challenge.
Despite occupying the final play-off spot the Canaries have suffered something of a collapse in form of late, having failed to win since September 27.
Although they have picked up only three points from the five games since that date, Lennon believes the trip to Carrow Road will be one of the most difficult of the season.
“The Brentford win was a step in the right direction but Norwich are a different animal,” the Northern Irishman said.
“We have probably one of the toughest games that we could ask for in this division on Friday.
“We are taking a step up with Norwich away, I think they probably have the best squad in the Championship so we have to pay them great respect.
“We will go there and we will give it a real go, and I think the players will relish playing in front of the television cameras.”
Bolton go into the game with Norwich 12 points and 16 places behind the side that were relegated from the Premier League last season.
Wanderers may have won two out of Lennon’s first three games in charge, but the boss is aware of the difficulty of the run of games that faces them.
“Two wins out of three is a reasonable start, but this three game period is going to test us and I want the players to relish it,” he said.
“This week is huge. The three teams we are facing have all had Premier League experience in the last couple of years – Wigan won the FA Cup.
“These are teams to be respected. We probably couldn’t have got a harder run when you look at the calibre of player that each of the teams has.
“It’s brilliant for the players, it’s a great test for them and I’m confident they’ll give those three teams a hell of a game.
Lennon acknowledged the fact that Wanderers fans may not be able to turn out in large numbers for the game.
However, he was quick to emphasise that any number of supporters making the 450-mile round trip to Norfolk would provide the players with a boost.
“I hope that we get a decent turnout of Bolton fans, although it’s very difficult for them to travel on a Friday evening to Norwich,” he added.
“I feel a little bit for our supporters with this one. We know Norwich is a tough game for the fans to get to, but we always appreciate our support.”
The clash at Carrow Road is live on Sky Sports 1 tonight with kick-off at 19:45.
Main image courtesy of Bolton Wanderers FC via YouTube, with thanks.
