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Josh Vela will continue to be Wanderers’ Mr Right despite the return of rivals Kevin McNaughton and Joe Riley.
Despite playing out of position for the last few months, the Academy graduate has settled so well in defence that Neil Lennon admits he is unlikely to change things for tomorrow’s game against Leeds United.
Vela’s gradual conversion from an out-and-out midfielder to a full-back started all the way back in October after McNaughton was struck by a hamstring problem.
The Scot has taken longer than expected to return but played 90 minutes for the development squad on Monday night and will feature in this weekend’s squad.
Riley has also returned to the reckoning after a spell on loan at Oxford United, with Lennon pledging to take a “good look” at the 23-year-old now he has discovered full fitness.
But the Wanderers boss yesterday threw his weight behind Vela’s claim for a first-team spot despite having two specialists to pick from.
“There is no need to change in my view,” he told The Bolton News. “The back four have performed excellently over the last two months.
“Kevin (McNaughton) played on Monday and he needed that game. He’s fully fit and he will be in contention for Leeds but Josh is having a very good run and he’s playing very well.
“I don’t see any reason to unsettle him.”
Vela’s transition from outcast to first team regular has been a spectacular one in the last few months.
Openly touted for a loan in the lower divisions by Lennon’s predecessor Dougie Freedman, the Salford-born ball-winner has matured rapidly since being installed to the back four against Brentford 11 games ago.
The Whites boss admits a knee injury suffered last season could have been behind his lack of first-team chances under Freedman – but he has been delighted with what he has got from the 21-year-old.
“I like Josh as a player and I like his attitude,” he said.
“He knows the club inside out. He had a bad injury and maybe his chances were limited when he came back.
“But everyone had a clean slate when I came in. He defends very well, he is intelligent on the ball and really has been excellent.
“There is no reason to change that and I will push him forward as he goes forward in his career. He is in a good place.”
With McNaughton fit again, the treatment room is gradually clearing for Lennon who also confirmed that Rob Hall will miss “one or two weeks” after rolling his ankle in training.
Matt Mills rejoined full training yesterday and will contest a starting place against Leeds with David Wheater – assuming Lennon sticks with a back four – while Andy Lonergan also comes back into the reckoning after sitting out last weekend’s FA Cup victory over Wigan Athletic.
Meanwhile, Lennon brushed off suggestion he is about to bring in Aston Villa defender Matt Lowton on loan.
“I’ve no idea where that came from,” he added. “There’s absolutely nothing in it.”
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Despite playing out of position for the last few months, the Academy graduate has settled so well in defence that Neil Lennon admits he is unlikely to change things for tomorrow’s game against Leeds United.
Vela’s gradual conversion from an out-and-out midfielder to a full-back started all the way back in October after McNaughton was struck by a hamstring problem.
The Scot has taken longer than expected to return but played 90 minutes for the development squad on Monday night and will feature in this weekend’s squad.
Riley has also returned to the reckoning after a spell on loan at Oxford United, with Lennon pledging to take a “good look” at the 23-year-old now he has discovered full fitness.
But the Wanderers boss yesterday threw his weight behind Vela’s claim for a first-team spot despite having two specialists to pick from.
“There is no need to change in my view,” he told The Bolton News. “The back four have performed excellently over the last two months.
“Kevin (McNaughton) played on Monday and he needed that game. He’s fully fit and he will be in contention for Leeds but Josh is having a very good run and he’s playing very well.
“I don’t see any reason to unsettle him.”
Vela’s transition from outcast to first team regular has been a spectacular one in the last few months.
Openly touted for a loan in the lower divisions by Lennon’s predecessor Dougie Freedman, the Salford-born ball-winner has matured rapidly since being installed to the back four against Brentford 11 games ago.
The Whites boss admits a knee injury suffered last season could have been behind his lack of first-team chances under Freedman – but he has been delighted with what he has got from the 21-year-old.
“I like Josh as a player and I like his attitude,” he said.
“He knows the club inside out. He had a bad injury and maybe his chances were limited when he came back.
“But everyone had a clean slate when I came in. He defends very well, he is intelligent on the ball and really has been excellent.
“There is no reason to change that and I will push him forward as he goes forward in his career. He is in a good place.”
With McNaughton fit again, the treatment room is gradually clearing for Lennon who also confirmed that Rob Hall will miss “one or two weeks” after rolling his ankle in training.
Matt Mills rejoined full training yesterday and will contest a starting place against Leeds with David Wheater – assuming Lennon sticks with a back four – while Andy Lonergan also comes back into the reckoning after sitting out last weekend’s FA Cup victory over Wigan Athletic.
Meanwhile, Lennon brushed off suggestion he is about to bring in Aston Villa defender Matt Lowton on loan.
“I’ve no idea where that came from,” he added. “There’s absolutely nothing in it.”
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