Bolton boss Owen Coyle has confirmed that Robbie Blake has turned down the chance to join Norwich on loan.
Striker wants to fight for place at Reebok Stadium
Bolton manager Owen Coyle has confirmed that striker Robbie Blake has turned down the chance to join Norwich on loan.
The 34-year-old is behind Daniel Sturridge, Kevin Davies and Ivan Klasnic in the selection ranks at the Reebok Stadium and was not even a substitute for Saturday's draw at Newcastle.
A number of clubs had shown an interest as a result of the fact that Blake has made just 12 appearances since a summer arrival from Bolton's rivals, Burnley, where he had worked with Coyle.
Championship promotion contenders Norwich made a definite enquiry, but Coyle did not want to let the forward leave and was pleased to hear that the player wanted to stay.
Battle
"I didn't want him going out on loan," Coyle told the
Bolton News. "I made him aware that numerous clubs had asked about him and the biggest one was Norwich.
"Robbie is an integral part of the group and he wants to stay and fight for his place.
"That's brilliant because he is a big part of what we are doing at the club.
"There wouldn't be a problem if I played Robbie Blake from the start because he is terrific. But we have real competition for places in the forward areas.
"I was delighted with his answer that he wants to stay and battle for his place. He is loving his time at Bolton."
