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Eidur Gudjohnsen is on the cusp of a return to Wanderers after receiving a glowing recommendation from Neil Lennon.
The Whites boss admitted yesterday a deal to bring the Icelandic striker back to Bolton, 14 years after he last played for the club, was “close” and could be completed after the weekend.
Gudjohnsen came through a behind-closed-doors friendly with Bury on Tuesday with flying colours and has already discussed his demands with chairman Phil Gartside.
And though some details remain unresolved, it is expected the 36-year-old former Chelsea, Barcelona and Monaco front man will be available for selection from next week’s trip to Reading.
Gudjohnsen could be given a final run-out against Middlesbrough at the County Ground on Monday – a game in which goalkeeper Adam Bogdan is also scheduled to appear for the first time since fracturing his finger in September.
“The signs are very positive,” Lennon told The Bolton News. “I’m not saying it’s a done deal, a lot will be down to finances as well, but I think we’re close.
“He played 75 minutes the other day and was very, very good. I think overall he was pleased with his contribution and with his condition.
“He has definitely looked good in training, we just needed to see him in an 11 v 11 scenario in a competitive game and he came through it very, very well.”
Fans sang Gudjohnsen’s name at Blackpool last weekend and news of his impending return will continue to be the talk of the town for this weekend’s clash with Huddersfield.
And while Lennon insists a decision will have to be made with head, not heart, he freely admits the idea of re-signing the striker who left Bolton at the turn of the millennium for a trophy-laden career in Europe is an appealing one.
“We’ve been very frank and open with each other since day one,” he said.
“I know how you treat senior players because I used to be one myself.
“What I know about him, and what I’ve known for a long time is that he’s a class player.
“What we wanted to know is whether he could get around the pitch? And we’ve seen he can definitely do that.
“Whether he’s got 90 minutes in him, Saturday-Monday-Saturday is a different thing but he’s getting stronger all the time with the training and his interaction with the other players on a daily basis.
“That all has to be tempered with the fact I have to look after the best interests of the team and the club.
“But from what I have seen so far, I have been very pleased.”
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The Whites boss admitted yesterday a deal to bring the Icelandic striker back to Bolton, 14 years after he last played for the club, was “close” and could be completed after the weekend.
Gudjohnsen came through a behind-closed-doors friendly with Bury on Tuesday with flying colours and has already discussed his demands with chairman Phil Gartside.
And though some details remain unresolved, it is expected the 36-year-old former Chelsea, Barcelona and Monaco front man will be available for selection from next week’s trip to Reading.
Gudjohnsen could be given a final run-out against Middlesbrough at the County Ground on Monday – a game in which goalkeeper Adam Bogdan is also scheduled to appear for the first time since fracturing his finger in September.
“The signs are very positive,” Lennon told The Bolton News. “I’m not saying it’s a done deal, a lot will be down to finances as well, but I think we’re close.
“He played 75 minutes the other day and was very, very good. I think overall he was pleased with his contribution and with his condition.
“He has definitely looked good in training, we just needed to see him in an 11 v 11 scenario in a competitive game and he came through it very, very well.”
Fans sang Gudjohnsen’s name at Blackpool last weekend and news of his impending return will continue to be the talk of the town for this weekend’s clash with Huddersfield.
And while Lennon insists a decision will have to be made with head, not heart, he freely admits the idea of re-signing the striker who left Bolton at the turn of the millennium for a trophy-laden career in Europe is an appealing one.
“We’ve been very frank and open with each other since day one,” he said.
“I know how you treat senior players because I used to be one myself.
“What I know about him, and what I’ve known for a long time is that he’s a class player.
“What we wanted to know is whether he could get around the pitch? And we’ve seen he can definitely do that.
“Whether he’s got 90 minutes in him, Saturday-Monday-Saturday is a different thing but he’s getting stronger all the time with the training and his interaction with the other players on a daily basis.
“That all has to be tempered with the fact I have to look after the best interests of the team and the club.
“But from what I have seen so far, I have been very pleased.”
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