Bolton suffer injury blow ahead of Walsall FA Cup tie

Northern Ireland international Toal limped off during Bolton's 4-1 victory over Stevenage, which propelled them into the League One play-off spots, on Tuesday night.

Bolton are already without defensive pair Gethin Jones and Jordi Osei-Tutu until after the international break next month, while Chris Forino is sidelined until the end of the year. 

And Evatt is hopeful Toal's injury won't prove long-term although he is expecting him to miss a number of weeks. 

"It is his hamstring," Evatt confirmed to the media. "We are praying it isn't another tendon because they are the nasty ones. 

"We hope it is just the muscle, which really simplifies it and brings down the length of time he'll be absent for. Fingers crossed, everyone say a prayer it isn't a tendon."

Bolton have recovered from a stuttering start to the season to climb into early play-off contention. 

Evatt's charges suffered three defeats in their opening five games, including a 4-0 drubbing at the hands of Huddersfield Town, who Walsall beat 3-2 in the Carabao Cup second round earlier this season. 

Since, Bolton have collected six wins from their last eight league games (drawing once, losing once) to move into sixth-place. But Evatt is confident that there is still more to come from his in-form side. 

"There is still more to come too. Luke Southwood didn't put a foot wrong again (against Stevenage). He was cool and calm in possession," the Bolton boss continued. 

"Jay Matete and Josh Sheehan dictated and dominated the ball in midfield, there was a lot to like about that.

"But we cannot get carried away because we know we haven't reached our potential yet. We have to work hard to make sure it happens."