Coyle: Muamba will overcome criticism

30 October 2010 14:00
Bolton manager Owen Coyle has no doubts Fabrice Muamba will forget the furore surrounding his challenge that has left Wigan's James McCarthy facing three months on the sidelines. Rising star McCarthy, however, sustained serious ankle ligament damage which means he is unlikely to return until some time late in January, a situation boss Roberto Martinez has claimed to be "a footballing crime". Coyle, though, is convinced Muamba has the mental strength to put the matter to one side when he lines up in Sunday's Barclays Premier League clash with Liverpool at the Reebok Stadium. "Everybody knows the tackle wasn't malicious," said Coyle. "Fabrice is a great kid. He's a very good player, and he'll be focused on doing his job for Bolton, it's as simple as that. "Honestly, he is such a lovely kid, and he was genuinely disappointed and hurt by the fact young James was injured. "It's such a shame he is injured, but Fabrice went to win the ball, and unfortunately James has picked up an injury on the back of that."

Source: PA