ANDREW Taylor has been picked out as one of the steadying influences which has helped to shape Wanderers’ fine season to date.

Phil Parkinson gave his full-back due praise after another rock-solid performance against Crystal Palace in the FA Cup on Saturday.

Experienced defender Taylor arrived in the summer after a difficult spell at local rivals Wigan Athletic – and though his contract is officially termed a loan, it is understood it will lead to permanent arrangement.

After nudging ahead of Dean Moxey in the pecking order the former Middlesbrough man has helped to bring on the defensive side of Zach Clough’s game, much to the enjoyment of his manager.

“Andy Taylor has been outstanding for us,” Parkinson told The Bolton News. “He has been very solid, a good professional and a great signing.

“[Against Crystal Palace] he showed what a good player he really is, a really accomplished full-back.

“He has had a positive effect on other players too, so as a coaching staff, we’re delighted with him.”

Both Taylor and Lawrie Wilson on the right hand side of defence have managed to nail down their position despite heavy competition from the likes of Moxey, Derik Osede and Lewis Buxton.

“The good thing about both the full-backs is that they are very good communicators and it’s an area of the game that is disappearing really, getting players who’ll talk and pass on information,” Parkinson added.

“Andy is speaking to Cloughy, who is not natural in defensive situations but is getting better, and Lawrie has been terrific on the other side too with Sammy Ameobi for the most part.

“There is a nice balance there between the two of them.”

Wanderers get back to league action this weekend, hosting Swindon Town.

Things were very different when the two sides last met at the County Ground in October, with Parkinson’s side struggling for goals and with just a single Checkatrade Trophy victory to show for their last eight outings.

Defeat at home to Oxford United in their previous league game had been met with fierce criticism from the Macron fans, yet when defender Brandon Ormonde-Otewill put through his own net to gift the Whites three points at the County Ground, there was a transformation in their fortunes. Since then they have lost three times in 17 outings, conceded just 10 goals, and climbed back into automatic promotion contention.

And the mood among supporters have improved dramatically too – with many now daring to dream about an instant return to the Championship.

Skipper Jay Spearing has noticed a very different mood around the stadium in the last few months, prompted by results on the pitch.

“I think the fans can see there is big effort being shown now, we’re fighting for 94-95 minutes every week,” he said.

“The fans are appreciating that and as long as they can see us working hard they’ll back us. They know we’re trying to get this club back to where it belongs.”

The FA Cup replay against Palace lingers in the background for Wanderers, who face two tough trips down south next week.

Premier League destination Selhurst Park will be followed by a more belt-and-braces journey to Phil Brown’s Southend United.

And though he admits the league is the priority, Spearing insists the squad has got enough depth to fire on both fronts.

“I think we’ve got the squad to cope with the replay no problem,” he said. “I don’t see any reason why we can’t go through to the next round.

“The team hasn’t changed much in the last few weeks but the lads are working hard, as you can see.

“Players like James Henry can come on like he did against Scunthorpe and score a goal and there are a few lads on their way back from injury now who are pushing hard for their places.

“There are lads here who have played in the Championship for a long time, quality players. And some of them haven’t even been in the team recently.

“We will all play our part, be professional, and go about our business like we always do, trying to get a result from every game we play.

“Whoever comes in will do their bit, I am sure.”