Owen Coyle hailed the character of Gary Cahill after the Chelsea target scored Bolton's winner as they came from behind to beat Everton 2-1 at Goodison Park.
Coyle's decision to keep faith with the defender even though he looks set to leave the club proved a shrewd one and the Scot paid tribute to Cahill's mental strength.
"It can't be easy when it is a club of Chelsea's stature and a fee has been agreed," Coyle said.
He added: "To be fair to them, I think they have respected the fact that we had a huge game tonight and have not then had further dialogue - we expect that they will possibly in the next few days.
"But while that continues, Gary shows tremendous mental character and desire for Bolton Wanderers, because he knows, as we know, how good a club this has been for him. That is why he will play at the highest level for years to come."
The hosts took the lead in freak circumstances in the 63rd minute when Toffees goalkeeper Tim Howard, assisted by the blustery conditions, beat opposite number Adam Bogdan with a clearance from his own box.
Wanderers recovered swiftly, though, with David Ngog equalising four minutes later, before Cahill - once again named as captain - smashed home the decisive goal with 12 minutes remaining, securing a result which lifts the Trotters off the foot of the Barclays Premier League.
Coyle was unable to say whether or not Wednesday's match was likely to be the England international's last game for Wanderers, saying: "I was asked after the Wolves game as well whether it would be his last game for Bolton, and I can't answer that," said Coyle, whose team are up to 18th, a point adrift of safety.
Everton boss David Moyes admitted his side deserved nothing from the match, saying: "We didn't deserve to be in front and Bolton deserved to win the game," he said.
"I've got no qualms with the result. You can't perform like that and expect to win."
Source: PA
