Trotters boss admits Lee concern

13 October 2010 12:10
olton boss Owen Coyle admits he is wary of winger Lee Chung-yong burning himself out by playing too much football.[LNB] Coyle collected the North West player of the year award for the 22-year-old at a gala ceremony on Monday night, with the South Korea international in Seoul preparing for an international friendly against Japan. [LNB]But while the Trotters boss is delighted with Lee's progress since he arrived in the Premier League 15 months ago, he fears the punishing schedule for club and country could take effect. [LNB]"I think he has done very well for his first season and will continue to get better," Coyle told The Bolton News. [LNB]"But we have got to be very careful with him because he has played virtually for two years without a break. [LNB]"I gave him three-and-a-half weeks/four weeks off after the World Cup but it wasn't much when you consider he played for two years solidly. [LNB]"It's been a tough ask for him. But all credit. He is a young player who I believe is getting better and better." [LNB]Lee arrived at the Reebok Stadium for just £2.2million from FC Seoul under former Trotters manager Gary Megson. [LNB]Coyle admits he was pleasantly surprised by the winger, who was named the club's player of the year in May. [LNB]"I had seen him from the outside looking in before I arrived at the Reebok," he said. "But you never know how good they are until you work with them. [LNB]"He has been a blessing and hopefully we can keep guiding him the right way so he continues to improve."

Source: Team_Talk