Klasnic starting to show class - Coyle

25 February 2011 14:00
Bolton manager Owen Coyle is determined to see striker Ivan Klasnic at his physical peak to match his new-found mental edge. The last 10 days could prove to be a turning point for Klasnic in his career with Bolton, with the Croatian scoring the winner in FA Cup ties at Wigan and Fulham to send the club into the sixth round. Sandwiched in between was confirmation from Greater Manchester Police that he would not face charges over the alleged rape of a teenage girl following an investigation dating back to October. Given Klasnic has also had a number of injury niggles this season, after joining Bolton in the summer on a permanent deal from Nantes, the worst would now appear to be behind him. With Coyle's confidence in Klasnic unwavering, all he now requires of the 31-year-old is for him to get himself fully fit. "He has been stop-start with injuries this season, and people have forgotten about that," said Coyle on Klasnic, who has yet to start a Barclays Premier League game this campaign. "But it's fair to say that mentally he is now in a very good place, and physically he is very close to his maximum. We know he is a quality goalscorer. That is not even up for debate. That desire to score goals is there. What we have to make sure is that Ivan is physically at his very best, that he has that sharpness, and he is getting there bit by bit."

Source: PA