Stuart Holden nearing full-fitness as he plays 90 minutes in behind-closed-doors friendly

Bolton midfielder Stuart Holden stepped up his return to full-fitness by completing 90 minutes in a behind-closed-doors friendly at the npower Championship club's Euxton training base on Tuesday afternoon.

Holden twice featured as a substitute in Wanderers' FA Cup run last month having spent the best part of two years on the sidelines due to serious knee problems. And the 27-year-old USA international is happy to bide his time on the road to recovery.

"Things are going well," he told Bolton's official website.

"The medical team have been keeping a real close eye on my progress. They have got me working to a very detailed and careful training schedule.

"To play the full 90 minutes at Euxton was great. It was another huge step forward for me. I felt good out on the pitch and to play the full game was great. Now I just want to keep on track and keep progressing.

"It was good to be involved in the first team games against Sunderland and Everton. The reception I got from the Bolton fans at both Sunderland and the Reebok was a really special moment for me - it was a great feeling.

"We are sticking to the plan and making sure all the boxes are ticked and that I am at 100 per cent."