O'Brien blow for Trotters
22 Dec 2006 - 12:51:04
Bolton Wanderers expect to be without Joey O'Brien for the remainder of the season.
The 20-year-old full-back suffered a serious knee injury during the Trotters' pre-season campaign and manager Sam Allardyce has revealed the club are making sure his rehabilitation is handled carefully.
Allardyce previously thought the Republic of Ireland international might be fit to resume action in the new year, but those plans have now been abandoned.
"Joey is distraught," revealed Allardyce. "He is on a rehabilitation programme and is going to be out for another three to four months.
"As he has had surgery we have to make sure we get this injury 100 per cent right for his long-term future. It should stand the lad in real good stead."
Meanwhile, Ivan Campo has told Bolton that he wants to stay at the Reebok Stadium despite reports linking him with a move back to Spain with Athletic Bilbao.
"Ivan has spoken to me and said he was okay here and wants to stay," added Allardyce.