Holden targets Bolton comeback this season

Bolton Wanderers midfielder Stuart Holden is planning to resume full training in two weeks and aims to be back in action for the final two games of the Premier League season.

The 24-year-old American, who joined Wanderers in January on a short-term deal until the end of the campaign which has since been extended to the end of next term, fractured his right fibula on international duty against the Netherlands on 3 March. Trotters manager Owen Coyle revealed the player was expected to be sidelined for six weeks, but was hopeful the injury would not damage Holden's prospects of playing in the World Cup this summer.

"It's actually progressed well so I'm looking to start running, jogging next week and then getting full blast toward the end of the week and then hopefully back in full training in two weeks," Holden told Wanderers TV.

"I have to start training and build up a bit of fitness again but I've targeted the last two games – Tottenham away and Birmingham at home.

Holden, who could line up for the United States against England in their opening World Cup group game in South Africa on 12 June, added: "First and foremost, my duty is to Bolton. That's why I want to come back and make a stamp on the last two games of the season and show the fans what I showed them in my first two games.

"The World Cup is the bigger goal in mind. It's been a dream of mine to play in a World Cup so now that the opportunity is so close I'm going to do every little thing that I can control to put myself in the best possible position."

Meanwhile, veteran defender Michel Salgado believes Blackburn Rovers will be the last European club of his illustrious career. The former Real Madrid and Spain right-back has not ruled out a lucrative move further afield but plans to see out his playing days in Europe at Ewood Park.

"In Europe, yes. I think this is enough," Salgado, who signed a two-year deal with Rovers earlier this season," said. "It's a long career with competitive teams, 10 years with Real Madrid, and I am really enjoying it with Blackburn. But I still have some exciting time ahead here. I wouldn't keep playing if I didn't believe that."