Bolton Wanderers goalkeepers: Lonergan v Bogdan

Bolton Wanderers defeated Huddersfield Town 1-0 on Saturday, and they were able to hold on to this clean sheet thanks to a couple of late saves from Andy Lonergan.  Watching this win while conspicuously sat on the sub's bench was Adam Bogdan.  It was his first appearance in the Bolton match day squad since August, when he was injured.

For most of the past four seasons, under Owen Coyle as well as Dougie Freedman, Bogdan has been Bolton's first choice keeper.  Lonergan has been his able backup.  Unfortunately for Bogdan, he has not been as durable as his predecessor, Jussi Jaaskelainen, who seldom missed a match.  Every season, Bogdan seems to suffer some kind of injury that forces him to miss 8-15 matches.  During that time, Lonergan comes in and plays well.  After all, that is his job.

Bogdan is much younger than Lonergan, and probably a smidge more talented.  At this point in their respective careers though, Lonergan's experience has made him a touch more consistent.  Neither is a top class keeper, and both are going have a howler from time to time, Hungary international Bogdan's errors are just slightly more common.

All that said, Neil Lennon does not seem to be the type of manager that makes a change for the sake of making a change.  I don't know if it is significant, but at the end of today's match Lennon ran onto the pitch, hustled straight over to Lonergan and nearly bowled over the much bigger man, obviously elated at his performance.

Rumour has it that Bogdan will play for the reserves on Monday.  It will be very interesting to see how he does, and how Neil Lennon reacts.