Campo Offers Defensive Options

Last updated : 19 September 2003 By Mark Heys
Bolton Wanderers midfielder Ivan Campo has told his manager Sam Allardyce that if required he will move back into his natural defensive role following the injury to Florent Laville last weekend, and the former Real Madrid ace claims he is still learning new things following his permanent move to the Reebok Stadium this summer.

The 29-year old initially came to the club on loan as a central defender last summer from the Spanish giants but after playing a starring role as an emergency midfielder ironically against this weekend's opponents Newcastle United, meant that Sam Allardyce put the former Mallorca player there permanently alongside the likes of Jay-Jay Okocha, Per Frandsen and Kevin Nolan.

Campo admits losing Laville is a big blow to the team but has also offered to move back to central defence.

"It's a great shame that Flo got injured. He was playing really well for the first few games of the season and I wish him an early recovery. However if i was asked to play in the centre of defence then I would be happy to do so, i've always played in the centre of defence, it's my born role."

"It's always been a beleif of mine - certainly when i was in Madrid - that a player can always improve with every game, every training session or with any new player that arrives. That's what I intend to do whilst I am here" he added