Source: Daily_Mail
Do if for Nat Lofthouse, says Bolton chief Owen Coyle
Bolton boss Owen Coyle believes winning the FA Cup this season would be the perfect tribute to the town's favourite son. [LNB]Nat Lofthouse, who died at the age of 85 in January, scored 255 goals for the Trotters and served the club for much of his life.[LNB]But it was the 1958 FA Cup final, where he scored both goals in a 2-0 triumph over Manchester United, that represented perhaps his finest Bolton moment.[LNB] Leader: Lofthouse led Bolton to FA Cup glory over Manchester United in 1958 [LNB] Wanderers have not won the FA Cup since but they can take another step towards ending their long wait when they face Carling Cup winners Birmingham in the quarter-finals on Saturday lunchtime, with the victors guaranteed a trip to Wembley. [LNB]Coyle said: 'Everybody knows how sad everybody was with Nat's passing. But I think it's important we remembered all the good things that he brought not only to the football club but also the community. [LNB]'It would be lovely to achieve that, but we know there's some difficult obstacles in the way. But we'll do everything we can to try to progress, and if it all came together then obviously it would be a marvellous occasion.'[LNB] Hot to trot: Bolton will face Birmingham for a place in the FA Cup semi-final[LNB] Blues boss Alex McLeish insists his side will be fully committed to trying to reach the semi-finals despite being involved in a Barclays Premier League relegation battle. [LNB]He said: 'The league is more important to us. There is no doubt about it. 'But I owe it to the Birmingham fans to play the strongest team available. [LNB]'It might not be strong enough to win. I could play my best team against Bolton, and we could still lose because they are a good side. [LNB]In contention: Phillips could start against Bolton [LNB]'We could lose but we don't plan to. We are going to try to win this game.'[LNB] The likes of Kevin Phillips, Matt Derbyshire, Stuart Parnaby, David Murphy and Curtis Davies will come under consideration for a start against Coyle's side. [LNB]Manchester United take on Arsenal in the late game on Saturday while on Sunday Stoke face West Ham and Manchester City - fresh from last night's 2-0 Europa League defeat at Dynamo Kiev - host Reading. [LNB]Stoke manager Tony Pulis has confirmed goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen will once again step in for Asmir Begovic, as in earlier rounds. [LNB]'Thomas will definitely be one change that we make on Sunday,' Pulis said ahead of the Hammers' visit to the Britannia Stadium. [LNB]'He has shown what an outstanding professional he is since losing his place to Asmir and he deserves the opportunity to come in for this big occasion. [LNB]'We are extremely fortunate to be as strong in the goalkeeping department as any other Premier League club with Thomas, Asmir and, of course, Carlo (Nash) as well.'[LNB] The day we said our farewells to lionheart LofthouseFootball pays its respects at funeral for late England and Bolton legend LofthouseBolton midfielder Gardner heads to Preston on loan to boost fitnessBolton Wanderers FC news from across the web [LNB] Explore more:People: Tony Pulis, Stuart Parnaby, David Murphy, Matt Derbyshire, Kevin Phillips, Alex McLeish, Thomas Sorensen, Owen Coyle Places: Birmingham
