Gardner return boosts Megson - 7M sport

Gardner return boosts Megson

Posted Tuesday, September 22, 2009 by PA

Bolton manager Gary Megson has welcomed the return of Ricardo Gardner and hopes the long-serving midfielder can stay injury free.

Gardner is expected to get another run-out on Tuesday night against West Ham in the Carling Cup at the Reebok Stadium.

The Jamaican gave a dynamic performance in the second half of the 1-1 draw with Stoke following his recovery from a hamstring problem that saw him sidelined for six weeks.

Megson said: "We were disappointed when he was injured in training before the season started because you saw what he gives us.

"He has fantastic ability on the ball, great pace and he works hard. He has also added a little bit more to his game in terms of scoring goals and creating goals.

"When I arrived he was playing left back. I think he is better playing further forward. The quality he has got can cause a bit more damage to the opposition. "

On-loan Croatian striker Ivan Klasnic, who has arrived from Nantes, could also feature in the third round match.

Like Gardner he made an impact when he came off the bench and Megson said: "He is a good lad, a confident lad.

"He has settled in well both on and off the field. I am hopeful he will go on and do well for us."

Bolton defeated League One Tranmere in the last round and Megson believes their squad is stronger than last season when they were defeated by Northampton in the competition.

But he added: "It is difficult for all of us. We would like a Cup run but not at the expense of what happens in the Premier League, which is our priority.

"You have got to have a squad capable of coping with all the demands and our numbers are higher this year. We will certainly name a strong side against West Ham."

Meanwhile midfielder Sean Davis may need surgery to cure a knee injury.

Davis was on the bench at the weekend but seems certain to miss the date with the Hammers.

Megson added: "We will speak to the doctor and the physio and decide what is best for Sean."

Bolton have reduced prices for season ticket holders in a bid to attract a decent crowd with some seats going for #10.

West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola is hoping to unleash new signing Guillermo Franco against the Trotters.

The Mexican striker signed for the Hammers last week after scoring four goals in his last six internationals.

And Zola believes Franco will prove to be the final piece in his jigsaw after he spent the summer strengthening West Ham's strikeforce.

Zola, who picked up Franco as a free agent after his Villarreal deal came to an end, said: "He is a main striker, he is very good at holding the ball and very good with his feet.

"He likes to play off the other strikers so he can make a difference for us."

Zola signed Alessandro Diamanti and Luis Jiminez from Serie A to support England international Carlton Cole, who has carried the responsibility of being West Ham's only real attacking outlet for much of the last year.

Both Diamanti and Cole scored against Liverpool on Saturday while Franco, Zavon Hines, Junior Stanislas and Kieron Dyer now provide Zola with a spread of offensive options.

"I normally like to play with one striker and two small ones behind him," said Zola.

"I am looking forward to having a little bit of consistency so I can put my ideas a bit more.

"From now on, I know who I am working with. I can start shaping the team and am looking forward to that a little bit more."

Jiminez is available against missing Saturday's 3-2 defeat, when Hines shone for the Hammers.

Liverpool defenders Jamie Carragher and Glenn Johnson found themselves tied in knots trying to cope with Hines' raw pace.

The 20-year-old won the penalty for Diamanti and could have marked the occasion with a goal after striking the inside of the post.

Despite their promising performance, West Ham lost to Liverpool and their only victory since the opening day of the season has been an extra-time triumph against Millwall in the last round of the Carling Cup.

Zola is targeting the tournament as a great chance to win silverware in his first full season in charge at Upton Park.

"It is very important to us. We take it very seriously and we want to go further in this competition so we are going to try to win the game," said Zola.

While West Ham's attacking options have been bolstered, Zola is set to be without captain and England centre-back Matthew Upson, who injured a calf against Liverpool.

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