By Mark Heys
September 15 2006

Wanderers duo Ali Al-Habsi and Johann Smith could find themselves sent out on loan in a bid to gain regular first team football... Goalkeeper Al-Habsi is yet to make his senior debut for Bolton following his move from Norwegian club Lyn Oslo eight months ago, with Trotters manager Sam Allardyce now looking to offload the Oman international on a temporary basis to a Championship club.

Allardyce says that there has been a lot of interest in the 24-year old giant but the only sticking point seems to be that clubs have not thought about the rigourous process of re-applying for a work permit.

"Clubs who have enquired about him up to now haven't left enough time to deal with the work permit situation, But I am prepared to let him go on loan to gain first team experience." confirmed Allardyce to the Bolton News

"He's played three or four years in Norway and played very well for his country but he's getting frustrated at not getting first team matches. He's a quality goalkeeper and could actually play in the Premiership.

"He'd certainly be comfortable in the Championship and I'm sure we could get a club for him. Maybe a top club might take Ian Walker on loan. I might look at that, but I'd prefer it to be Ali. He needs as many games as he can."

Meanwhile American striker Smith is of interest to Chester City despite featuring prominently in the Wanderers first team squad of late. The 19-year old is wanted at the Deva Stadium as a replacement for injured ex-Bolton reserve Jonathan Walters and City chairman Stephen Vaughan is hopeful of a deal taking place.

"He came through the American college system and is highly thought of by the staff at Bolton, hopefully they will allow him to join us on a temporary basis," said Vaughan