Coyle puts his shirt on Holden

Stuart Holden: Transatlantic kit boost from Owen Coyle

Owen Coyle is in a positive mood over Stuart Holden's prospects of a long-awaited return to action for Bolton.

The American midfielder required surgery last September, after cartilage damage was discovered following what turned out to be his only appearance for Wanderers in 2011/12.

Holden had already undergone an operation on his knee in March 2011 after picking up an injury against Manchester United.

Coyle is hopeful over his player's latest comeback, but open-minded on when the club's 2010/11 player of the year may be back in contention for a place in the side.

Character

"I spoke to him the other night. But the last thing I'm going to do is put him under duress, in terms of when he'll be back in action," said Coyle.

"I just wanted to find out where he's at. He's doing well. He had a clean-out op three weeks ago, and he's feeling better for that.

"We have to give him as much time as he needs. He sounded in a great place, that's the type of character he is. His first concern was to ask after everybody else."

The 27-year-old international's current rehab work is taking place in his homeland, but the Bolton manager has revealed that he has sent Holden some up-to-date gifts to help him feel part of the Bolton set-up despite the distance involved.

Coyle said: "I've sent him over our home and away tops - and his training kit. I hope that will act as a little boost for Stuart.

"And, hopefully, sooner rather than later, he's going to be using it. We think the world of him."