Bolton find solution to left-back problems ahead of Portsmouth visit

The Trotters have signed Hull defender Brandon Fleming on loan until the end of the season – ensuring they’ll have a specialist player in the position for the League One game against the Blues.

Manager Keith Hill initially had limited options as the Pompey game approached.

They let Adam Chicksen depart this week following the end of his short-term deal and 20 appearances for Bolton this term.

Josh Earl’s loan from Preston wasn’t renewed this month, seeing him return to Deepdale before joining Ipswich.

Meanwhile, Joe Bunny is yet to feature after he was involved in a car accident in September.

Hill faced the real possibility of having to reshuffle his pack – something the Blues are familiar with, having lost left-backs Lee Brown and Brandon Haunstrup to injury this season.

Kenny Jackett brought in Steve Seddon on loan from Birmingham at the start of the month to help fill the void.

Now Hill has been forced to use similar tactics, with Fleming expected to walk straight into the side for the date with the Blues.

He’ll likely come up against resurgent Marcus Harness, having made seven appearances for Hull this season.