Coyle praises Holden after win

Posted Sunday, February 28, 2010 by PA

Bolton manager Owen Coyle lauded rookie Stuart Holden after his side moved out of the relegation zone.

Zat Knight's first goal of the season - and the club's first in six league games - was enough to seal victory against Wolves and take them above their rivals in the Barclays Premier League table. But United States midfielder Holden, who arrived last month after leaving Houston Dynamoes, took the plaudits in his first start at Premier League level.

"I thought Stuart was great - he has a lot about him, a real hunger and a desire," said Coyle.

"He was at Sunderland as a young player and got released, went to America and took his game on. He could have stayed and played safe.

"But he wanted to come back to England and prove himself. We will give him the platform.

"I am delighted how he has gone about it. He was a bundle of energy and his set-play delivery was terrific. It is an added bonus for us."

Wolves manager Mick McCarthy felt his side only had themselves to blame after slack defending on Knight's goal undermined a solid performance.

"Playing well doesn't always get you points, does it?" he said. "We switched off just before half-time. We have made mistakes and it has cost us the game. The goal we conceded wasn't bad luck it was bad defending.

"It still remains the same. We need a certain amount of points with 11 games left to stay in this league. Can we get those points? That remains to be seen.

"We will keep trying, keep plugging away. We are in there fighting and that gives us a chance."