Wednesday 2 April 2014 12:08, UK
Bolton Wanderers boss Dougie Freedman has revealed that Chris Eagles rejected the chance to go out on loan last week.
Eagles has fallen down the pecking order at the Reebok Stadium and Freedman had been prepared to let him leave on a loan deal until the end of the season, when the 28-year-old’s contract expires.
Charlton Athletic and Ipswich Town both expressed an interest in taking Eagles, but he decided to stay and try to fight for a place.
“There was a Charlton phone call and we said to him he could go and speak with them and play some football, which he didn’t take up,” Freedman said in the Bolton News.
“Then we had a call from Ipswich, but Chris felt the location wasn’t right for him.
“I can’t guarantee him football right now so I thought it right to give him the chance, but he didn’t take it.”
Freedman has dismissed suggestions of a rift with Eagles, insisting that it has just been difficult for him to break back into a settled side.
Eagles has not played since the middle of February due to an eye infection but is now back in full training and Freedman has not ruled out the possibility of a recall.
“It is not the case that I have a problem with him. If he continues to work hard and knuckle down, he’ll be available for selection,” said the Bolton boss.
“We’ve grown into a team where certain players have come in and held on to their position. I can only pick 10 outfield players.
“You’d like to think the ones not picked would be fighting their way back in, but some can’t quite handle that situation, some sulk, some can’t handle the mental side and don’t train every week.
“Chris had an eye problem and we went to Leeds, won 5-1, and he found himself out of the team.”
