One Happy To Be In, One Gutted To Be Out

Last updated : 08 July 2006 By Matt Bottom

Tal, 31, who signed from Israeli champions Maccabi Haifa this summer, said: "This is a fantastic club and the spirit in the camp is in evidence.

"We have trained every day for around six hours and there has been a diverse range of activity, from cycling up mountains to intense cold therapy in a large freezer cabin.

"The potential at Bolton is massive. I want to play a major part in making the club's ambitions come true."

Meanwhile, Bolton defender Ricardo Gardner is facing two months out with a knee injury.

Gardner, 27, is recovering from a third cruciate knee ligament operation after undergoing surgery in America.

The Jamaica captain has been continuing his rehabilitation at the team's training camp in Switzerland.

Manager Sam Allardyce said: "Ricardo had a successful operation and as things stand he should be back in action during October."

Allardyce added: "He is currently going through an intense rehabilitation programme with the sports science team in Bad Ragaz.

"It is a blow to our preparations for the start of the new campaign, but Ricardo is a strong character and will return in a positive manner."