Source: PA
Coyle tips Lee for bright future
Bolton boss Owen Coyle believes it is inevitable FA Cup goal hero Lee Chung-yong will go on to play for one of the leading clubs.
But Coyle is also mindful in the short term of ensuring Lee does not suffer footballing burnout. The South Korean has been playing non-stop football for almost two years after being part of his country's squad at last summer's World Cup.
Coyle has been managing the extent of Lee's contribution in recent weeks and he was a substitute for Saturday's tie with Birmingham at St Andrew's. But Lee came off the bench and scored a last-gasp winner in the 3-2 success over a home side decimated by injuries and lacking eight first-team regulars.
Coyle said: "The reason Chungy is not starting is that kid has played for two years without any sort of a break. If I was to keep playing him week in and week out, come the end of March he would have nothing left in the tank. As a manager I have to be very conscious of that.
"If it means Lee sits on the bench, comes on as an impact player and then starts games here and there, to make sure come the end of the season he is still fresh for me, then that's what we will do.
"Lee will go on to play for one of the top clubs because he has everything in his locker. He has got a footballing intelligence that you can't give players. He has an unbelievable touch, he can take the ball in tight areas. He is great to have at the club."
