Faye Returns To The Fold

Back In Contention
By Mark Heys
August 23 2007

Bolton Wanderers defender Abdoulaye Faye will be back in contention for the club's crucial home match against Reading this weekend after missing the last two games through personal reasons.

The Senegal international was strongly linked with a move to Newcastle United just over a week ago and Wanderers manager Sammy Lee felt that the speculation was affecting Faye and therefore left him out of the games against Fulham and Portsmouth.

Now Lee has revealed that Faye is ready to come back into the fold and play on Saturday after Newcastle couldn't tempt the player to St James Park to link up with former boss Sam Allardyce.

I have spoken to Abdoulaye (Faye) and he has worked hard this week on the training ground and is eager to play on Saturday. I did leave him out of the last two matches, against Fulham and Portsmouth, because I felt the speculation was getting to him and it has been difficult for the boy. He has responded well this week and he will come into contention against Reading at the weekend." said Lee to the official Bolton website

Recent signing Andy O'Brien may also be in line to make his first senior appearance for the club after impressing for 60 minutes of the reserves 1-1 draw with Manchester City on Wednesday.

O'Brien moved from Portsmouth for £1.2 million just under a fortnight ago and Lee says the attitude and work ethic of the Republic of Ireland international has been first class.

"Andy's (O'Brien) attitude is first class and he worked exceptionally hard on Wednesday. His fitness levels are now coming up to speed and he will be considered for Saturday's match.

"He has all the necessary experience to come in a do a job for us at the back. He is eager to play and continue his development as a top class defender with us."