MK Dons 1 Burnley 2: Bolton to ask permission to speak to Burnley manager Coyle

Trotters chief Phil Gartside is reported to be keen to have Coyle in place before next weekend's Barclays Premier League trip to Sunderland. After a week of mounting speculation he appears ready to pounce for a manager whom he recommended for the Burnley job two years ago.

Bolton have refused to comment on speculation regarding a successor to Gary Megson, although betting has now been suspended by some bookmakers on the appointment of Coyle.

The Clarets have also kept a low profile with Coyle skipping the routine post-match press conference after Saturday's

FA Cup third-round win at Milton Keynes.

Coyle's assistant Sandy Stewart said Coyle was catching a plane to Scotland but his non-appearance did nothing to dampen speculation about his Turf Moor future.

Coyle took over at Burnley two years ago and led them back into the top-flight for the first time in 33 years, earning praise for the style of football he imposed.

While Clarets fans will be apprehensive about Coyle's possible exit, Burnley assistant manager Stewart has confirmed Burnley remain hopeful of an arrival in Arsenal starlet Jack Wilshere – on loan for the rest of the season whether Coyle remains manager or not.

Wilshere – who was 18 on New Year's Day – has caught the eye for Arsene Wenger's side and would undoubtedly bed in to Burnley's fluid attacking style.

Stewart said: "Owen and I have a great partnership. We have worked together at St Johnstone and Burnley so, whatever happens, hopefully that partnership will continue.

"At this moment in time, that will be at Burnley.

"As of yet there is no progress on Jack Wilshere. He is a player we have earmarked as one who would do very well for Burnley. We like his style of football and believe that he would blend into our system well.

"He is one we definitely like and there has been dialogue between ourselves and Arsenal but as I understand it there are a couple of other interested parties so we will just have to wait and see."

Stewart also revealed that talks to allow on-loan Portsmouth striker David Nugent to face Coca-Cola League One MK Dons had continued right up to kick-off. Pompey eventually refused to allow the former Preston man to play.

Stewart said: "David has become an integral part of the squad and has done very well for us. We had hoped for him to play but unfortunately Portsmouth wouldn't give us permission so there was nothing that could be done.

"The negotiations went right to the last minute as we were desperate to have him available but it wasn't to be and it allowed someone else an opportunity to impress."

Goals from Graham Alexander and Steven Fletcher put the Clarets in control in Saturday's tie but Paul Ince's side mounted a fierce late surge that culminated in a goal from Dean Morgan

Ince said: "We are taking baby steps and the last few performances have been outstanding. I can go back and think the future is bright.

"I wanted to get five or six (players) in this month but after that performance I may change my mind.

"I am not in a position where I can spend a lot of money but I will sit down with the chairman and hopefully get two or three in."

Milton Keynes Dons: Gueret, Woodards, Howell (Stirling 80), Doumbe, Lewington, Baldock (Chadwick 55), Leven, Gleeson, Puncheon, Easter (Morgan 80), Wilbraham. Unused substitutes: Johnson, Carrington, Gobern, Darren Powell.

Burnley: Jensen, Eckersley, Duff, Bikey, Kalvenes, Elliott, Alexander, McDonald (Gudjonsson 71), Eagles, Blake, Steven Fletcher (Thompson 88). Subs Not Used: Penny, Edgar, Easton, Guerrero, Harvey.

Referee: Tony Bates (Staffordshire).