DANNY Butterfield is ready to answer Wanderers’ defensive SOS in their crunch clash against Huddersfield Town tonight.

With Sam Ricketts suspended, Joe Riley injured and Tyrone Mears out through illness, the 33-year-old Southampton loanee will be drafted in at full-back for his first league start in nearly 12 months.

Just two days after his arrival, Butterfield was plunged into the action against Charlton Athletic on Saturday following Ricketts’ controversial dismissal but his introduction proved to be a baptism of fire.

“I came on and hadn’t even touched the ball and we’d conceded two goals,” he told The Bolton News.

“If I can be involved against Huddersfield from the start then hopefully things can go a bit better and I can have a more positive impact.

“Of course, on a personal note it was good to get on the pitch and represent Bolton. It meant a lot.

“The result was a disappointment but we’ll move on as quickly as possible. We’ve got to put that right now.”

Butterfield enjoyed back-to-back promotions with Southampton but has been frozen out at St Mary’s this season, featuring in only a handful of cup games.

Now, the defender hopes his experience can help Wanderers get their play-off charge rolling again after successive defeats.

“All season I’ve been watching from the stands, which is certainly frustrating, especially for a player of my age who wants to be getting as many games as possible,” he said.

“It’s been a frustrating season so far but I’m excited about being part of this set-up.

“I’ve experienced success with Southampton and I know it takes team spirit to get over the line. At this point, wins are all important.

“It will be a tough ask, but with this squad, we’re capable of doing it.”

Freedman said after Saturday’s defeat that he was happy to trust Butterfield despite his lack of first team action.

The pair played for several seasons alongside each other at Selhurst Park, and Butterfield – on loan for a month – says his familiarity with the manager’s style has helped him settle quickly into his new surroundings.

“I played with Dougie for a good four or five years before he moved into coaching,” he said. “He certainly knows what I am capable of, which works out well for both parties.

“He sets high standards and the lads have to follow suit.

“When you come in on loan you have got to hit the ground running, get in amongst the boys and feel part of it as quickly as possible. And I have been able to do that. The games are coming thick and fast too, so that helps.”