Pratley - I couldn't celebrate

Darren Pratley: Apologised to Swans fans after breaking Bolton goal duck

Bolton midfielder Darren Pratley admits he apologised to Swansea's travelling supporters after finally ending his goal drought at the Reebok Stadium on Saturday.

Pratley joined the Trotters in the summer after five successful seasons with Swansea, during which he helped the club to two promotions.

The 26-year-old has endured a testing first six months with Owen Coyle's side but broke a goal duck stretching back to May when he equalised against his former club in the FA Cup fourth round.

The midfielder says he could not bring himself to celebrate in front of the Swans fans and held his hand up to the visiting crowd in apology.

Apology

"After I scored I just sort of apologised. I was there for five years and I have a strong connection with the club so I was never going to celebrate. "
Darren Pratley Quotes of the week

He said: "After I scored I just sort of apologised. I was there for five years and I have a strong connection with the club so I was never going to celebrate. I had a good time there, I enjoyed living there and won two promotions.

"When I went back to the Liberty this season they gave me a good reception. I've got a lot of love for Swansea.

"I've waited a while for my first goal for Bolton so it's a bit ironic that it came against Swansea. But I could have had a hat-trick in the end."

Bolton's 2-1 win over the Welsh side fired them into the fifth round, where they will face Southampton or Millwall.

Coyle's men are still struggling near the bottom of the Premier League and Pratley hopes their cup run will inspire confidence.

He added: "The FA Cup is completely different. We're still in a relegation battle so nothing's changed.

"We're starting to win and draw games so if we can carry on gaining confidence and picking up results then hopefully we can stay in this league."