Gardner - give us a game - I'll play anywhere.

[Sluffy]

Bad thing to say - Coyle will probably pick him at centre back now! -


Gardner has occupied two different positions in his two starts this season, having played at left-back at Villa Park and centre-midfield against Chelsea.  And the 33-year-old is happy to be the team's Mr Versatile if it means more opportunities for match action.

He added: "I enjoyed every moment of the game against Aston Villa, not only because we won but because we played well. Against Chelsea I played in midfield, but I don't mind wherever I play as long as I'm on the pitch helping my team-mates.

"As long as I'm fit I feel that I am capable of playing in a few positions. I will play in whatever position the manager needs me to."

Wanderers make their shortest trip of the season this Saturday when they make the seven-and-a-half mile journey to Wigan for a game Gardner is looking forward to.

He explained: "It's a massive game for us, as are the next few coming up, but you have to look at the next game which is this Saturday. We have to try and dig out three points, although we know it is not going to be easy.

"We have to go there and believe in our talent, believe in each other, make it difficult for them all over the pitch and get a result. Once we get the next win we can build on it as the weeks go on.

"It's a derby and hopefully we will have a lot of fans there. The Bolton fans have always been brilliant to me and I appreciate everything they have done for me since the day I arrived here."

Finally, Gardner also gave a mention to a former team-mate, Ali Al-Habsi, who is set to line-up against Wanderers for the first time since joining the Latics on a permanent deal in the summer.

 Last season, whilst on loan at the DW Stadium, the Omani goalkeeper had to sit out all four league and cup meetings between the two clubs as part of his loan agreement.

Gardner added: "Aside from being a good goalkeeper, Ali is a family guy and a spiritual person. I am happy to see him playing in the Premier League because he deserves a chance.

"Hopefully, though, we can put a few goals past him at the weekend."


Loads more here -

http://www.bwfc.co.uk/page/General/0,,1004~2478708,00.html

[DaveBWFC]

He has to be left back on Saturday imo.

[Natasha Whittam]

If he isn't Coyle must be forced out.

[DaveBWFC]

He'll only end up getting injured if he plays.

I'd risk it though.

[hjd]

Seeing as he mentioned Al Habsi, I see he played for Oman in Australia yesterday so hopefully he will be jetlagged on Sat and throw a couple in his own net.

[Natasha Whittam]

Seeing as he mentioned Al Habsi, I see he played for Oman in Australia yesterday so hopefully he will be jetlagged on Sat and throw a couple in his own net.

We'll need more than a couple.

3-1 Wigan.

[Keegan]

It is good to see that there are players who actually want to play - I haven't gotten that impression from a number of the squad this season.

[xmiles]

Yes play him at left back simply because Robinson is so bad, but we will need to have someone to replace him at half time - if he makes it that far - due to injury.

[Keegan]

Sod off, you!