Boltons Zat Knight recovers from knee strain

Last updated : 06 April 2011 By Daily Mail

Knight, who has been sidelined with a knee injury he picked up in February, played for the reserves in their 3-0 victory over Blackpool and is now aiming to take part in this weekend's Barclays Premier League clash with the Hammers, eight days before Wanderers take on Stoke in the FA Cup semi-finals.

It would appear to be a timely return, but in the 30-year-old's absence, David Wheater has formed a partnership with Gary Cahill in central defence and Knight accepts Bolton boss Owen Coyle could be left with a selection dilemma.

Arise, sir: Knight could make his return against West Ham

'It felt good to get back on the pitch," Knight told Bolton's official club website.

'I've really enjoyed it and the boys were fantastic out there.

'As for myself, I've come in with a clean sheet so hopefully I can step it up again on Thursday and Friday so the manager can make a decision on Saturday, but I'm happy to be back part of the team.

'I've felt good in training and I felt good out there for 45 minutes, but until I get myself out there in the Premier League you're not to know if I can play the full game.

'I was itching to get back in the side against Birmingham the other day but the gaffer just told me to have a good week's training and play 45 minutes in the reserves. Hopefully I'll be there or thereabouts.

'I wouldn't expect to walk straight back into the team as that would be disrespectful to David Wheater and Gary Cahill and their performances.

'I'll work hard and we'll see where we can go from there and what the gaffer decides.

'I'm ready to do a job for the team if picked and hopefully I can help towards the end of the season.

'Even if I'm on the bench, I'd be happy to play my part in the rest of the season because I thought, at one point, my season was going to be over.

'It's nice to get 45 minutes and we'll see where the rest takes us.'

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Source: Daily Mail

Source: Daily Mail