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Bolton delighted with striker quandary

Eleanor Crooks,Pa
Wednesday 16 February 2011 11:25 GMT
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Bolton boss Owen Coyle insists trying to accommodate three strikers into his starting line-up is not proving a thorny issue.

The arrival of Daniel Sturridge on loan from Chelsea in January provided competition for captain Kevin Davies and Johan Elmander and, with the new man scoring three times in as many games, it is Swede Elmander who has had to make way.

The 29-year-old, who has not scored a Barclays Premier League goal since the 2-0 win over West Brom on Boxing Day, has played wide on the right in the last two matches.

Elmander's contract runs out in the summer and Coyle will leave it to the striker to decide whether he wants to stay on at the Reebok Stadium, but he is adamant the forward's position on the field is not a bone of contention.

The Trotters manager said: "There's absolutely no dilemma about playing any of my players anywhere. Wherever they're asked to play, they know it's for the good of the team, and they'll give everything they can for the team.

"I think we have very gifted individual players but their strength will be as a group and what they bring to the team. Johan Elmander has played off to the right, he's played in midfield, as the main striker, behind the main striker and to the left.

"Johan Elmander's a terrific footballer and a very nice lad to go with it. His contract's up in the summer and we've been very transparent about it."

With Sturridge cup-tied, Elmander could rejoin Davies up front tonight when Bolton travel to Wigan for their FA Cup fourth-round replay.

A trip to Fulham on Sunday is the prize on offer and, although Coyle confirmed he will make around six changes to the side that beat Everton 2-0 last weekend, it is a competition he is desperate to do well in.

The local rivals have proved very well matched in recent meetings, with all but one of their last six matches ending in draws, and the Bolton boss is expecting a tough test again after Wigan held Liverpool to a 1-1 draw last time out.

"They will have been boosted by a great performance and a great point at Anfield," he said. "It's a local derby, the games have always been tight affairs and I think tomorrow night will be the same. But it will be two teams going out to win the game.

"I love cup competitions and particularly the FA Cup. I know people have been critical of it for whatever reason but I've always loved it. Everybody dreams of getting to Wembley and being in that cup final and I'm no different."

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