Source: Team_Talk
Ricketts decision was tough - Coyle
olton boss Owen Coyle believes the decision to leave out Sam Ricketts at West Brom was one of the toughest of his career.[LNB] Normally a right-back, Ricketts had excelled covering in the centre of defence while England international Gary Cahill was serving a three-match suspension for his red card at Arsenal.[LNB]But Coyle opted to bring Cahill straight back into the side following his ban and he vindicated the manager's decision by producing a man-of-the-match display as Bolton claimed a third straight Premier League draw.[LNB]"I've made some big decisions in my football career but that was one of the toughest," Coyle told the Bolton Evening News.[LNB]"Gary Cahill is a quality player but Sam Ricketts has been outstanding. I sat and tried to explain to Sam and he should be disappointed because I had more than 11 players who deserved to start. That's the job of being a manager.[LNB]"Sam's got a big, big part to play at this football club, but Gary Cahill is a top centre half."[LNB]Cahill made his England debut against Bulgaria last month as a substitute for the injured Michael Dawson but rather than bring Cahill into the starting line-up for the trip to Switzerland four days later, Fabio Capello opted for Manchester City's Joleon Lescott.[LNB]Coyle admitted that was a blow for Cahill but he has been impressed with the way the 24-year-old has reacted and believes the ex-Aston Villa man is one of the best defenders in the Premier League.[LNB]"If you name any centre half in this country, I'll take Gary Cahill every day," he said.[LNB]"Gary Cahill has come through the disappointment against Switzerland and the sending off at Arsenal, and come back with a perfect performance.[LNB]"He's going to be a big star and a top player for England for many years to come."
