Holden closing on full fitness

Holden: Raring to go

Owen Coyle has revealed that new recruit Stuart Holden is closing in on his Premier League debut.

The United States international joined the Trotters at the end of January from MLS outfit Houston Dynamo.

Keen to get his career in England off to a flying start, but lacking in match practice due to the American season having come to a close, the 24-year-old picked up an unfortunate injury shortly after his arrival at the Reebok Stadium.

That has prevented him from breaking into Coyle's plans as yet, but he is set to step up his training this week and could be considered for duty in the not too distant future.

Frustrating

"Stuart will start some light training with the group tomorrow [Friday]," Coyle said on the Aberdeen-born midfielder who failed to make the grade at Sunderland as a youngster.

"It has been frustrating for him as he is such a fit lad.

"He did well in America, had a break, then came here and did some training. Maybe he tried too hard, who knows?

"There is no doubt, when he is fully fit, he is a talented kid. He will get his opportunity like the rest of the players."