New Bolton boss Owen Coyle continues to strengthen his squad with the addition of American midfielder Stuart Holden. The 24-year-old arrives at the Reebok Stadium on a short-term contract until the end of the season after leaving Houston Dynamo.

He will be hoping to make his mark in English football after injury prevented him from fulfilling his potential during a short spell with Sunderland in 2005.

Coyle has urged Holden to seize his opportunity, telling the club's official website: "Stuart has been training with us and he has been doing well.

"He has a great energy and desire, and he wants to show that he can play in the best league in the world, so he is a young man with a point to prove."

Holden has scored two goals in 12 appearances for USA and is in contention for a place in their World Cup squad.

Holden said: "This was the hardest decision I've had to make in my career, but at the end of the day I felt it was the right time to test myself at the highest level.

"Having had a short spell over here when I was younger, I knew all about the passion for football in this country and that helped to draw me back.

"The Premier League is one of the best leagues in the world and I was really excited when this opportunity came up. Now I am looking forward to getting involved and getting started."