BOLTON thrust a host of youth players into the deep end for their League Two opener against Wycombe.

The Trotters only found out they would play their season opener on Monday after being granted special permission by the EFL.

They have been forced to play a youth-heavy XI too after a pay dispute which raged on during the summer saw a host of pre-season games cancelled.

Kurt Zouma's little brother Yoan, 21, was even given the task of marking self-styled "Beast" Adebayo Akinfenwa.

The Wanderers squad were informed by takeover bidders Football Ventures that they would get the wages that have been missing for five months, but in instalments.

That sparked fury in the camp, many of whom have waited for news while others have also held on despite putting in notices to quit.

Phil Parkinson’s men said no to the offer as they want their money up front as they should do as Football Creditors.

Former players have also been made the same offer, with just 20 per cent up front and the rest on the drip for two years.

The offer confirms that Football Ventures are trying to structure the deal in a way that costs them as little as possible immediately.

Meanwhile, less than an hour before kick-off in their game against Wycombe, Bolton announced TWO new signings all at once – both of whom are starting the game.

As well as Harry Brockbank signing a new two-year deal, the Trotters landed a loan deal for Preston star Josh Earl and free agent James Weir – most-recently at Hull.

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