Bolton Wanderers boss Owen Coyle looking forward to having Stuart Holden back
Bolton Wanderers manager Owen Coyle revealed he was looking forward to Stuart Holden returning to the squad. The 26-year-old http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/United-States-c3034 international has been sidelined since picking up an injury last season against Manchester United at Old Trafford,
but now looks close to making his return.
It has not been a speedy process, with the midfielder spending most of his time in the United States for rehabilitation. However, he has now returned to the English Premier League side and according to Coyle is close to a first team start.
With Bolton Wanderers taking on newly promoted side Norwich City on Saturday, Coyle admitted that Holden could have to wait until next week to feature for the first team. He could make an appearance in the upcoming Carling Cup clash scheduled to take place
on Tuesday.
Holden featured for the reserve side in mid-week, in a fixture that ended 3-3 against the http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Arsenal-c38429 reserves. Coyle revealed he was happy with the progress Holden had made recently and the fact that he had played the full 90 minutes.
Even though Holden is close to a return, Coyle said he did not want to rush Holden to an early return which is why he was unlikely to feature on Saturday. However, he revealed the player could most likely be making his return for the first team during mid-week.
Coyle said while speaking to reporters:
“There is no doubt day by day he is still improving but what we have to make sure is when we bring him back in it is not detrimental to the hard work he has done.”
Holden, who had been the Wanderers most consistent player last season, has not been too lucky with injuries. He was sidelined for the Premier League outfit after sustaining a fractured leg while on international duty and last season was again sidelined with
a long term injury.
Coyle revealed that it was a tremendous boost having the United States international return, almost like making a new signing in the summer transfer window. Holden made 30 appearances in all competitions last season and managed to score two goals.
He continued:
“He is an outstanding player and outstanding young man and it will be a real boost when he is back fit and at 100% and hopefully that is not too far away.”
While Coyle waits for Holden’s return, he revealed he had been pleased with his new signings in the summer transfer window. David N’Gog, Gael Kakuta and Tuncay have all lived up to his expectations and had done well since arriving at the Reebok Stadium.
Coyle said:
“The new signings did very well. Tuncay, Gael and http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/David-c10409 all came in without having had the match fitness at their previous clubs so we have to get them up to speed and the intensity we want them to play at.”
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