Source: Team_Talk
Coyle backs 'magnificent' Holden
olton boss Owen Coyle has praised the attitude of Stuart Holden, despite the midfielder being at fault against Manchester United.[LNB] Coyle's side led the game against United at the Reebok Stadium 2-1 going into the final 15 minutes of the encounter, but Michael Owen beat the American international to a header to draw level.[LNB]Holden was said to be distraught at allowing the former England marksman to get in front of him to score, but Coyle was quick to praise his attitude since joining the club and urged him not to get too down about it.[LNB]"Stuart is beating himself up a little bit because he should have picked Michael Owen up for the equaliser, even though he was blocked off," the manager explained. "That's credit to Manchester United and their physicality," Coyle told the Bolton News.[LNB]"He's feeling a little hard done by because of that, but I can't complain too much because Stuart has been magnificent for me since day one." [LNB]"After picking him up for nothing, having had a few setbacks in his career, it's great to see him show his qualities," he said. "He wants to stay on the training pitch after every session and he's driving himself on to improve. There's no doubt he's doing that. [LNB]"The energy he shows, the level of his play, fans are reacting to that. We think the world of him, and the way he's playing at the moment is terrific for the club." [LNB]Coyle also talked up the performances of Zat Knight, who scored and played exceptionally against United, as well as giving a top class display against former club Aston Villa the previous week.[LNB]"When I arrived in January I had all these people telling me he was playing indifferently," said the Bolton boss. "But he has shown such quality since I have been here, he has a manager who believes in him, and I thought he was outstanding against Manchester United. [LNB]"As well as the goal, his whole performance was outstanding. He's stood there like a tower and dealt with everything that has came his way."
