Holden in contention for Bolton - 7M sport

Holden in contention for Bolton

Posted Sunday, May 09, 2010 by PA

Midfielder Stuart Holden is hopeful of featuring in Bolton's last Barclays Premier League match of the season at home to Birmingham.

The United States international did not make the squad for last weekend's defeat at Tottenham despite having recovered from a broken leg sustained in March but could be included by manager Owen Coyle this weekend after a week's full training.

Andy O'Brien (thigh) and Chris Basham (knee) could also be involved after injury.

Trotters chief Owen Coyle believes an "eventful" season has made him a better manager.

The Scot, who began the season with Burnley but left in January.

"It has been an eventful season, starting it with Burnley where I had a terrific time," he said.

"I poured my heart and soul into the job and it was a real wrench to leave them.

"Coming to Bolton with the club in the bottom three, the job we had to do was make sure we stayed in the Premier League.

"We did that with games to spare and what we have to do now is look to move the club forward.

"It is a season which I believe has made me a better manager than I was last year.

"I don't have all the answers but I like to think we are improving and if we continue to do that I can help the club.

"The biggest learning curve for me this year was the Premier League and the margins between the team.

"The minimal decisions can be the difference. As a manager it has been a terrific learning curve."

Birmingham are boosted by the return to the squad of captain Stephen Carr.

The former Tottenham and Newcastle right-back missed last weekend's 2-1 win against Burnley through suspension.

He was serving a one-match ban after admitting improper conduct during the local derby against Aston Villa.

Carr is set to take over from Stuart Parnaby in what is likely to be the only change to the side that started against Burnley.

Liam Ridgewell will continue in the centre of defence with Scott Dann again missing with a calf strain.

Rookie midfielder Jordon Mutch is in the squad after his return from a loan spell at Doncaster.

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