However, the Latics boss explained he wants to slowly introduce Colusso into the fold. Wadsworth commented, “He needs a gentle introduction to the hurly-burly of the English game. We have won seven and drawn two of our last 11 games, but we have still not made any impression on the top six. If we had been near the bottom and put in a run like that we would have shot half-way up the table. But it just shows how tight it is at the top. This is a crucial stage of the season and with other sides around you winning it is vital that we keep picking up three points as well.""This is another big game for us but we showed last week against second-placed Brighton that we are up for the challenge. We can have a big say in the promotion race, that's for sure.” The only doubt is over veteran midfielder John Sheridan, who has a knee problem and will undergo a late fitness test.
Wadsworth added, “Bristol have been a bit hit and miss for the last month, but they have still had a very good season. It should be a difficult, but exciting, game and there will be some very good players on view. If we win we will be level on points with them - but if we lose we will be six points behind them. A victory would give us a foothold in the top six and we can then take it from there.”