Davies Could Return For Pompey Clash

By Mark Heys
September 14 2006

Injured striker Kevin Davies could feature in the Wanderers game at Portsmouth later this month after making good progress with a cheekbone injury.

The bustling centre forward was ruled out for six weeks after clashing with Charlton defender Hermann Hreidarsson a few weeks ago but Bolton manager Sam Allardyce has been pleased with the response of the 29-year old during treatment.

Davies has up until recently rarely missed a game in the starting eleven since moving from Southampton over three years ago and Allardyce has confirmed that the player is now back in light training.

"Kevin (Davies) is doing okay and is back in full training," confirmed Allardyce earlier today.

"Albeit he can't head the ball and get involved with full contact, he is making rapid progress and should be ready for selection when we travel to Fratton Park.

"He wants to play and it has been suggested that he might have to wear a protective mask, which will be entirely up to Kevin."

It will not be the first time that a Bolton player has had to wear a protective mask as in August 2003 the World Cup winner Youri Djorkaeff sported the item when the Trotters travelled to their local rivals Manchester United.