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Jermaine Beckford just loves the knockout competitions – and Dougie Freedman reckons his under-fire striker could be in the right mood to cause Chelsea problems tonight.
The cup specialist has already scored twice against Crewe in the previous round but has some making-up to do with the Wanderers fans after his controversial salute at Elland Road a few weeks ago.
Beckford’s acknowledgment to the Leeds United faithful provoked a fierce reaction from the Bolton support and caused him to be booed on his two outings since.
But Freedman has been delighted with the 30-year-old’s response to the criticism that came his way in recent weeks and believes he has the mentality to handle a big occasion, such as the one facing the Whites at Stamford Bridge.
“He doesn’t suffer the criticism,” he told The Bolton News. “He’s an honest guy and he works hard for this football club.
“He doesn’t shirk away and he’s always available to be picked.
“I have to pick and choose when he’s in peak condition and you’ll have seen on Saturday against Wolves, he’s right there now.
“In training he’s never let himself down – even though you might say he has on the pitch on one or two occasions – but I don’t see there being a big problem for him at all.
“Jermaine will be looking forward to this type of game because that is the type of player he is.”
Beckford famously scored the goal that knocked Manchester United out of the FA Cup for Leeds in 2010 and has 17 goals in 20 appearances in that particular competition.
“It doesn’t matter how he’s playing, he still has that air of confidence which you need in all strikers,” he said.
“Even in the Leeds game where he came in for stick, he came on, created an opportunity and should have scored. He makes things happen.
“He’s got a very tough skin and he will stand up for himself when he needs to. This is the kind of opportunity he’ll relish.”
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The cup specialist has already scored twice against Crewe in the previous round but has some making-up to do with the Wanderers fans after his controversial salute at Elland Road a few weeks ago.
Beckford’s acknowledgment to the Leeds United faithful provoked a fierce reaction from the Bolton support and caused him to be booed on his two outings since.
But Freedman has been delighted with the 30-year-old’s response to the criticism that came his way in recent weeks and believes he has the mentality to handle a big occasion, such as the one facing the Whites at Stamford Bridge.
“He doesn’t suffer the criticism,” he told The Bolton News. “He’s an honest guy and he works hard for this football club.
“He doesn’t shirk away and he’s always available to be picked.
“I have to pick and choose when he’s in peak condition and you’ll have seen on Saturday against Wolves, he’s right there now.
“In training he’s never let himself down – even though you might say he has on the pitch on one or two occasions – but I don’t see there being a big problem for him at all.
“Jermaine will be looking forward to this type of game because that is the type of player he is.”
Beckford famously scored the goal that knocked Manchester United out of the FA Cup for Leeds in 2010 and has 17 goals in 20 appearances in that particular competition.
“It doesn’t matter how he’s playing, he still has that air of confidence which you need in all strikers,” he said.
“Even in the Leeds game where he came in for stick, he came on, created an opportunity and should have scored. He makes things happen.
“He’s got a very tough skin and he will stand up for himself when he needs to. This is the kind of opportunity he’ll relish.”
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