A crushing 5-1 defeat at Villa Park has left the Trotters perilously perched just a point above the drop zone.

They have managed only three wins all season, in 11 outings, and have found the target just 15 times during those fixtures.

There is a growing sense of unease starting to set in at the Reebok Stadium, with club captain Kevin Davies revealing his fears for the months which lie ahead.

"It was a pretty embarrassing performance from us and unacceptable," he said following the Villa Park debacle. "We have to try and put it behind us and work extra hard in the next couple of weeks.

"If we're not too careful, we could end up in a relegation battle.

"We're leaking goals for fun at the minute (24 in the league so far). It's not just the defence, it's throughout the side - starting with me."

Next up for Bolton, following the upcoming international break, is a derby date with Lancashire rivals Blackburn.

Davies admits the clash has taken on added importance for Gary Megson's side, as they look to get their season up and running.

"Blackburn at home is a massive game for us," he added. "We've got to roll our sleeves up and get ready for a big derby."