Dougie Freedman believes Chris Eagles' infectious enthusiasm is playing a vital role in Bolton's belated push for a Championship play-off spot.
Two home victories last week over Huddersfield and Wolves - Eagles scored the winner in the former - extended Wanderers' current winning streak at the Reebok Stadium to seven, and Freedman's men lie two points shy of the top six with four games remaining.
With Mark Davies sidelined due to a long-term injury, Freedman is pleased to see Eagles taking on the role of being Bolton's creative fulcrum.
"I said when we lost Mark Davies that he's a guy in our squad that could pop up and be that difference between us and a lot of teams," he explained.
"I've got the pleasure of seeing Chris day in, day out and he can be a pain in the backside because he wants to play every single match.
"But I've got to try and select him to be fit for certain matches where I think he can make the difference.
"His enthusiasm rubs off on people and we've seen that - his enthusiasm to get on to balls and create opportunities.
"I feel we've got the right mix right now. We've got a good, determined solid group of players who have got a little bit of spark about them up top."
Preston boss Simon Grayson must consider the fitness of Lee Holmes and Keith Keane ahead of the rescheduled League One encounter.
Holmes opened the scoring in fine style during Saturday's comfortable 3-0 win over struggling Scunthorpe but the former Southampton winger was forced off shortly before half-time with a tight hamstring.
Utility man Keane, who successfully switched from full-back to a midfield role over the Easter period, will require hernia surgery in the near future and it remains to be seen how many more games he can be nursed through.
The duo's potential absences could mean opportunities to start for midfielder John Welsh and winger Jeffrey Monakana.
Long-term absentee Scott Laird (broken leg) is back in training but not yet ready for first-team action.
Oldham manager Lee Johnson has plenty to ponder.
Johnson tasted defeat for the first time in four matches in charge of the Latics at the weekend as Carlisle held out for a 2-1 victory at Boundary Park.
The Cumbrians capitalised on a lacklustre first-half showing from their hosts, prompting Johnson into a triple change at the interval.
Kirk Millar, David Mellor and Matt Smith were introduced in place of Connor Brown, Robbie Simpson and Lee Barnard and all three could push to start at Deepdale having played their part in a much improved showing after half-time.
Lee Croft remains Johnson's only injury doubt with a foot injury although the former Manchester City winger has not suffered a break.
