Holden to provide Coyle relief

Stuart Holden is expected to come to Owen Coyle’s rescue as injury-hit Bolton go to the Britannia Stadium to face Stoke City on Saturday.

Wanderers face the prospect of travelling to Stoke in the English Premier League with just 15 fit players, after Ivan Klasnic joined the growing list of absentees by pulling out of the squad with a groin strain.

But US international Holden has upped his rehabilitation from a thigh injury to train with the first team for the first time in a fortnight yesterday, and could potentially play some part.

Coyle refused to risk the midfielder in last Saturday’s FA Cup victory over York City, giving him extra time to recover from a problem that has persisted over the last few months.

“The next couple of days will tell us whether he is close to being involved,” said the Wanderers boss, who is reportedly closing on the signing of Middlesbrough defender David Wheater.

“But he is in a far better position than he has been for the last few weeks. We purposely didn’t rush him back.”

“From the outset of this season he has been one of the top performers, both at the club and in the Premier League. He is terrific at what he does and he certainly adds to what we have got.”

Coyle said there have been no offers for talented centre-back Gary Cahill but if he does depart the Reebok Stadium, the manager would rather it be at the end of the season.

“I believe the right time – if it was to happen – for Gary to move, or any player in that bracket, would be in the (European) summer when they are allowed time to settle in with a new group,” he said.

“I think when you are that type of player, if a club is spending that sort of money, then that player really has to hit the ground running. He is given no time to settle in and get to know the group he is working with.”

Coyle also revealed will not stand in the way of the defender if he wishes to leave.

“I’ve always said I’m not one for standing in anybody’s way. If it is the right thing for the player and the right thing for the football club then that’s something as managers we have to look at and give balance to it,” he said.

Full-back Gretar Steinsson also stands a slim chance of travelling to Stoke, having made progress after a knee injury that has ruled him out since Bolton’s victory over West Brom on December 26.

Coyle believes his side will have to work hard to earn a double against Stoke, having beaten them 2-1 earlier in the season at home.

“We have got to work with what we have got and make sure they are ready for what will be a tough game at Stoke,” he said.

“It’s a game we are looking forward to and one we believe that we can go and earn points from. But to do that, we need every one of the players at their very best, regardless of whether we’ve got 15, 16 or 17.”