Derby County: Nathaniel Mendez-Laing reacts as Corey Blackett-Taylor reveals major Bolton blow | OneFootball

Nathaniel Mendez-Laing has reacted to the news that his former Derby County teammate Corey Blackett-Taylor's season is over

Corey Blackett-Taylor's loan move from Derby County to Bolton Wanderers hasn't gone to plan.

The 28-year-old previously excelled at Charlton Athletic in League One, but he has struggled to make a strong impact for the Rams in either the third tier or the Championship.

He consequently joined Bolton on loan in January, and scored on his debut for the Greater Manchester club in a 1-0 victory over Wimbledon.

Meanwhile, in Blackett-Taylor's absence, Derby have maintained their Championship play-off push, and sit just three points adrift of sixth-place Southampton in the March international break.

Corey Blackett-Taylor issues emotional message after season-ending injury

The winger was a key figure in Bolton's 3-2 comeback victory over Wycombe Wanderers on 7 March, notching an assist before scoring a 96th-minute winner.

However, the man on loan from Derby has suffered a season-ending injury, meaning that Steven Schumacher's men will have to continue their promotion push without his services.

Taking to Instagram on Thursday, Blackett-Taylor wrote: "Instantly from arriving at the club I felt the passion and support from the fans, club, staff, and players.

"I have no doubts of the club achieving their targets of promotion. I want to say a huge thank you for making me feel so welcomed and comfortable.

"Unfortunately, my season is concluded due to my injury, but I’ll be here supporting the team to the very end."

Mendez-Laing has been absent since December, thanks to a hamstring injury, and had previously performed well for MK Dons this term, scoring seven goals and producing two assists in 18 League Two appearances.

The Dons, managed by ex-Derby boss Paul Warne, are vying to win automatic promotion to League One alongside clubs such as Bromley and Cambridge United.

Warne's men have not competed in the third tier since suffering relegation in 2023.

Bolton Wanderers must turn form around amid Corey Blackett-Taylor setback

Bolton are set to compete in the League One play-offs this season, as they have no realistic chance of catching Cardiff City, who are highly likely to win automatic promotion alongside Lincoln City.

Meanwhile, Wanderers have put a safe buffer between themselves and the clubs who are outside the top six.

However, to seal promotion back to the Championship for the first time since being relegated from the second tier in 2019, the Greater Manchester club must head into the play-offs on better form.

As previously mentioned, Blackett-Taylor played a key role in Bolton's 3-2 win over Wycombe, but Steven Schumacher's men have subsequently endured a three-game winless run.

That poor streak has included a 1-0 defeat to Port Vale, who are highly likely to suffer relegation to League Two despite their FA Cup heroics.

Schumacher's side must ensure that they head into the play-offs on better form, so that they have the confidence required to seal a place in next season's Championship.

Bolton head to Plymouth Argyle, who have been on resurgent form, on Good Friday, before hosting Greater Manchester neighbours and fellow play-off hopefuls Stockport County on Easter Monday.