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Matt Mills could return to the Wanderers line-up today and be confirmed as the club’s new captain.
The defender has held the role unofficially since Jay Spearing dropped out of the first team before Christmas and also wrote the skipper’s column in the matchday programme before the 3-1 win over Fulham in midweek.
However, with Spearing out on loan at Blackburn Rovers for the rest of the season, it now appears the 28-year-old will be given the responsibility full time.
Mills is out of contract in the summer and has missed the last two games with a knee problem.
In his absence, David Wheater, Barry Bannan and Eidur Gudjohnsen have all worn the armband.
But yesterday Lennon confirmed his centre-half has now returned to full training and will be in contention for a starting place against Watford, complete with the captain’s role.
“If he plays he will be captain,” said the Wanderers boss. “We have had talks with his representatives about a new contract too.
“We want Matt to stay, so that will be on-going.
“But in the meantime I don't have a problem with him being captain. There is no reason to change it.”
Counting Mills, seven different players have acted as captain this season for Wanderers.
Veteran striker Gudjohnsen did so on Tuesday night, describing the honour as a “special feeling” in his illustrious 20-year career.
His goal against Fulham was the Icelander’s third in six games but Lennon said his influence extends well beyond the pitch.
“Players look up to Eidur,” Lennon said. “We just thought it was a good opportunity for him to take the armband.
“Players listen to him. It's not a big issue who is the captain. It is good to give players responsibility; some players like it, some players shy away from it.
“At his age it shouldn't be a problem for him.”
Gudjohnsen is contracted until the summer but Lennon said yesterday it was “too early” to speak about whether the 36-year-old would extend his stay any further.
“He is enjoying the playing side,” he told The Bolton News. “He has his family over at the minute and he has been great.
“He is making a real contribution on the goals side but his contribution away from the pitch is immeasurable.”
While today’s game will be too soon for Craig Davies or Emile Heskey, both players are likely to be fit for next weekend’s trip to Nottingham Forest.
“Not having any new injuries to deal with this week has been something of a novelty,” Lennon added. “We’re starting to see the embryonic signs of getting our players back now, so it’s good news.”
Saidy Janko should keep his place in the side today after scoring on debut against Fulham, and Lennon believes his parent club Manchester United will be pleased with his first senior game at the Macron.
“Warren Joyce (United’s development squad coach) was at the game and spoke to Saidy afterwards,” he said.
“We are very grateful for the opportunity to have him here.
“We will look after him the best we can and hopefully he will repay us with more performances like we got the other night.”
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The defender has held the role unofficially since Jay Spearing dropped out of the first team before Christmas and also wrote the skipper’s column in the matchday programme before the 3-1 win over Fulham in midweek.
However, with Spearing out on loan at Blackburn Rovers for the rest of the season, it now appears the 28-year-old will be given the responsibility full time.
Mills is out of contract in the summer and has missed the last two games with a knee problem.
In his absence, David Wheater, Barry Bannan and Eidur Gudjohnsen have all worn the armband.
But yesterday Lennon confirmed his centre-half has now returned to full training and will be in contention for a starting place against Watford, complete with the captain’s role.
“If he plays he will be captain,” said the Wanderers boss. “We have had talks with his representatives about a new contract too.
“We want Matt to stay, so that will be on-going.
“But in the meantime I don't have a problem with him being captain. There is no reason to change it.”
Counting Mills, seven different players have acted as captain this season for Wanderers.
Veteran striker Gudjohnsen did so on Tuesday night, describing the honour as a “special feeling” in his illustrious 20-year career.
His goal against Fulham was the Icelander’s third in six games but Lennon said his influence extends well beyond the pitch.
“Players look up to Eidur,” Lennon said. “We just thought it was a good opportunity for him to take the armband.
“Players listen to him. It's not a big issue who is the captain. It is good to give players responsibility; some players like it, some players shy away from it.
“At his age it shouldn't be a problem for him.”
Gudjohnsen is contracted until the summer but Lennon said yesterday it was “too early” to speak about whether the 36-year-old would extend his stay any further.
“He is enjoying the playing side,” he told The Bolton News. “He has his family over at the minute and he has been great.
“He is making a real contribution on the goals side but his contribution away from the pitch is immeasurable.”
While today’s game will be too soon for Craig Davies or Emile Heskey, both players are likely to be fit for next weekend’s trip to Nottingham Forest.
“Not having any new injuries to deal with this week has been something of a novelty,” Lennon added. “We’re starting to see the embryonic signs of getting our players back now, so it’s good news.”
Saidy Janko should keep his place in the side today after scoring on debut against Fulham, and Lennon believes his parent club Manchester United will be pleased with his first senior game at the Macron.
“Warren Joyce (United’s development squad coach) was at the game and spoke to Saidy afterwards,” he said.
“We are very grateful for the opportunity to have him here.
“We will look after him the best we can and hopefully he will repay us with more performances like we got the other night.”
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