Hunt Injury Concerns Allayed

By Mark Heys
July 31 2006

The injury sustained by Bolton full back Nicky Hunt during Saturday's friendly defeat against Derby County is not as bad as first feared.

The 22-year old was forced to withdraw from the action four minutes before the half time interval at Pride Park and the initial signs suggested that the former England U21 international could have faced a lengthy spell on the sidelines with medial ligament damage.

Wanderers boss Sam Allardyce has since revealed that the injury to the Westhoughton-born youngster is not as bad as was first anticipated and the player should be back in action by the time the Trotters begin their league campaign next month.

"Initially there was grave concern that Nicky had sustained a nasty injury, Having assessed his knee over the weekend, I am glad to say that he should be okay to return playing in two to three weeks." said Allardyce

South African ace Quinton Fortune also left the action at weekend with a groin injury but the former Manchester United man is likely to be back training by the time the week is out.