Brown has faith in Davies

Last updated : 31 July 2003 By Mark Heys
Bolton Wanderers Assistant Manager Phil Brown beleives recent signing Kevin Davies can rediscover the form and attributes which once made him a £7 million player and has been impressed in the way that the former Southampton player has risen to the challenge since his move back to the North West.

Davies moved from Southampton for £7.25 million plus James Beattie in the summer of 1998 to Blackburn Rovers following a succesful first spell with the Saints in the 1997-1998 season which made him one of the most highly coveted young strikers in England but whilst at Ewood Park he failed miserably and within a year of the big money move he was sent back to the South Coast in an exchange deal with Egil Ostenstad.

However Brown is convinced it is still early enough for the 26-year old to get to that level again and he beleives the player will be succesful at the Reebok Stadium and has been delighted with the players progress so far.

"He's come through a rigourous three-week period and has passed all the tests we have set him" Brown said.

"He's shown us that the £7 million player is still within him. He's still only 26 and hasn't yet realised his full potential, when he does he'll be one hell of a player" he added