Ben Haim's absence could open the way for Ricardo Gardner

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Tuesday, 5th December 2006

I'm on the way to Bolton, says Ilic

Trevor Baxter



SLOVENIAN international Branko Ilic believes he's on the verge of a New Year move to Bolton Wanderers.



The club dismiss the transfer talk as `pure speculation' but Ilic, who plays for NK Domzale, has told the Slovenian press the only stumbling block to a move is a transfer fee.



He's reported to have had a medical, met Sam Allardyce and watched last week's home game with Chelsea.

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"I was in England for three days," says defender Ilic. "I had some medical tests and I trained with the first team. I'm very thrilled and I hope this transfer will go through.



"It would be a dream come true for me but now the clubs have to agree a fee. I hope everything will work out well."



Wanderers have confirmed they will be without Israeli international Tal Ben Haim for Saturday's Reebok date against West Ham.



Ben Haim picked up a fifth yellow card at Reading last Saturday and will serve a one-match ban.



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However, Kevin Nolan is definitely available after reports suggesting he was heading for another ban.



Ben Haim's absence could open the way for Ricardo Gardner's return to first team action for the first time since last April.



The Jamaican international is set to play the second reserve match of his comeback at Everton tonight.



Bolton's FA Cup third round tie with Mansfield or Doncaster is expected to take place on January 6. The clubs replay at Belle Vue next Tuesday and Allardyce says it could be `a tricky tie' whatever the outcome.



"Both teams will relish playing Premiership opposition and we must guard against any complacency.



"We will prepare for this game like any other match and aim to progress in this competition.



"Doncaster have toppled Premiership teams in other competitions (Manchester City in last season's Carling Cup) so they will try to beat Mansfield in the replay and be ready to take us on.



"Mansfield are in the bottom tier of the Football League and they will see the FA Cup as a nice distraction and a chance to raise additional extra revenue."



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RE: Ben Haim's absence could open the way for Ricardo Gardner

<DIV class=article><DIV class=articleText><DIV class=articleHeadlineAndBody id=articleHeadlineAndBody><H3 class=headline id=headline>Wanderers Reserves In Action At Everton Tonight </H3><DIV class=articleBody id=articleBody><P align=center>

WANDERERS' second-string are in action this evening when they travel to the Halton Stadium, Widnes to face Everton in the Barclays Premier Reserve League North, kick off 7pm.

Ricardo Gardner will continue his rehabilitation from his injured knee and is one of six players with first team experience in the starting line-up. There are opportunities for Andranik, Idan Tal and Ricardo Vaz Te to impress Sam Allardyce and push for a place in Saturday's first team squad, when West Ham United visit the Reebok Stadium.

Wanderers reserves are currently third from bottom in the table and a win against Everton would see them draw level on points with the Toffees.

Wanderers from: Walker, Charlesworth, Gardner, Gbemie, Ellis, Andranik, Thompson, Sissons, Smith, Tal, Vaz Te, Jamieson, Kazimierczak, Woolfe, Wolze, Brooks.</DIV></DIV></DIV></DIV>