Wanderers are building momentum as the League One promotion battle continues to hot up.

The Whites currently sit fifth in the table and have a six-point cushion over seventh-place Wycombe at this stage.

Ian Evatt’s men are unbeaten in their last eight matches in all competitions ahead of Saturday’s trip to Derby.

But which players have stood out? Using our ratings from each game, we have ranked the Bolton squad based on their average score since the start of the campaign.

It is worth noting that members of the squad who have played less than 400 minutes this season have been left out of the list.

19. Declan John

Has has fallen out of favour at Wanderers and hasn’t featured in the league since the 1-0 defeat at Forest Green back in October.

Rating: 6.1

18. Kieran Sadlier

Has had to be patient for opportunities in the league but was given a start at wing-back in the quarter-final. Has been linked with a move away in the January transfer window.

Rating: 6.3

17. Elias Kachunga

Only scored twice this season but carries out some important work out of possession. Impressed in the recent Papa Johns Trophy quarter-final against Portsmouth.

Rating: 6.3

16. Gethin Jones

Was a mainstay in Evatt’s side during the first months of the season but hasn’t started in over a month due to a couple of injuries.

Rating: 6.3

15. Jon Dadi Bodvarsson

His bad luck with injuries has continued, picking up an ankle problem at the weekend just as he seemed to be building an exciting partnership with Dion Charles. Has scored eight goals this season despite his time on the sidelines.

Rating: 6.3

14. Dion Charles

Wanderers’ top scorer this season with 12 goals in all competitions. Has climbed the rankings after scoring three times in his last six league games.

Rating: 6.3

13. Ricardo Santos

It was great to see the skipper back in action against Portsmouth following his troubles with illness. The Whites now have real competition for places in defence.

Rating: 6.3

12. Dapo Afolayan

Scored three goals in eight matches prior to his suspension. Could be heading for the exit door after Evatt confirmed the club had accepted more than one bid.

Rating: 6.4

11. Aaron Morley

Back to his best and seems to be building an exciting midfield partnership with Kyle Dempsey. His excellent passing range is a real asset for Wanderers as they aim to keep climbing the table.

Rating: 6.4

10. MJ Williams

Has found himself out of the side at times but is usually dependable when called upon. Made the most of his start in the quarter-final, making some important challenges in the middle of the pitch.

Rating: 6.5

9. Jack Iredale

Was in good form prior to his injury, having been used both as a wing-back and centre-back at times. Was due to have surgery early this week and is now facing a lengthy spell out of action.

Rating: 6.5

8. James Trafford

Has been protected well by the Bolton backline but continues to make important saves when called upon. No other goalkeeper in the division has kept more clean sheets this term.

Rating: 6.5

7. Kyle Dempsey

Has excelled since his return from injury and played a key role against Portsmouth at the weekend. Will be hoping his injury frustrations are firmly behind him heading into the business end of the season.

Rating: 6.6

6. George Johnston

Stepped up as a leader while Santos and Jones were absent from the side. Johnston has been one of Wanderers’ most consistent performers over the past 12 months and seems to keep improving.

Rating: 6.6

5. George Thomason

Another player who had impressed prior to his injury, becoming an important member of Evatt’s squad. He is hoping to be back on the pitch before the end of the season after avoiding an operation.

Rating: 6.7

4. Will Aimson

Has been a rock at the heart of defence since coming back into the side and made a memorable goal-line clearance during the goalless draw against League One leaders Plymouth earlier this month.

Rating: 6.8

3. Conor Bradley

Has scored six goals this season and continues to impress at both ends of the pitch. Evatt hopes to re-sign the Liverpool youngster on loan next season but admits his side will need to win promotion to stand a chance.

Rating: 6.9

2. Kieran Lee

Took his goal well against Portsmouth at the weekend and continues to prove how effective he can still be at this level. Wanderers will be hoping to keep him fit during the remaining months of the campaign.

Rating: 6.9

1. Eoin Toal

Tops the list for the first time following an impressive run in the side over the past few weeks. Has made the transition to League One football look easy and also chipped in with a couple of goals against Lincoln and Portsmouth.

Rating: 6.9