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With Bolton's U21 side taking on Manchester City's reserves last Friday, Stu Holden was taking another step in his bid to become a 90-minute player for Bolton Wanderers again. Holden didn't have that much to do against City's U21s, completing a pass here and there while giving the young lads instructions in the center of the park.
On 31 minutes though, the whole of the Trotters' and the United States Men's National Team's fanbases held their collective breaths. 18-year-old George Evans, a Manchester City development squad and England U19 player, entered into a challenge with Stu Holden. It wasn't a good challenge. The tackle was head-on and Evans' studs raked into the top of Holden's foot and into his ankles. Stu received treatment on the pitch and walked off on his own power sans a sock and a boot.
With fans fearing the worst, there were some indications that it was all a scare and nothing more. Well, that's been confirmed. According to Bolton News reporter, Holden walked away with bruises and cuts on his ankle and nothing more.
Confirmed no serious problem for Stu Holden. Sounds like a poor challenge though. Good job he's a tough cookie!
— Marc Iles (@MarcIles) February 2, 2013
Good to hear and now Holden can continue on getting back in the starting XI (and soon).