Bolton: Dougie Freedman says momentum key to play-off hopes

Bolton manager Dougie Freedman believes the momentum gained from recent wins can help the club secure a Championship play-off spot.

A run of four victories in five games has put the club in the final play-off position with two games remaining.

"We've hit the play-offs through fantastic play and just through sheer determination and grit.

"I don't think there is anybody else who has got that kind of momentum now in that top six," said Freedman.

At the start of February, Bolton's hopes of an immediate return to the Premier League looked slim as they dropped to 20th in the table, just three points above the drop zone.

However, former Crystal Palace boss Freedman, who replaced Owen Coyle last October, remained confident the club would not be dragged into a relegation fight.

Wanderers have to travel to already-promoted Cardiff in their next game before facing Blackpool at home on the final day of the season.

"It is in our own hands and we are working very hard. I just think the spirit that we've got is tremendous right now and that's been built up over the last three or four months," Freedman told BBC Radio Manchester.

"No matter who comes on the pitch, or starts the game, everybody is showing the intent and willingness and we can't ask for more than that.

"I think it's been a difficult time for the fans over the last couple of years at the Reebok especially with relegation battles to take year in year out.

"It's a difficult match for us [against Cardiff on Saturday] because they'll be in a very relaxed mode but we want to make sure we're prepared."