Henrik Proves Adaptable

By Mark Heys
August 25 2005

Henrik Pedersen's switch from one end of the field to the other may not have seemed to be the best idea in the world on paper but it certainly worked during last night's win over Newcastle United.

A centre-forward by trade, Pedersen was required to fill in at left-wing back due to the absence of injury victim Ricardo Gardner and the big Dane performed with the upmost professionalism to give the Trotters their first clean sheet of the season.

The 30-year old explained that he was considered as Gardner's replacement due to the fact that only he and team-mate Gary Speed are the other left footed players in the Bolton squad.

"If your manager wants you to play there, you play there. You try to do your best. He only tried it because Ricky (Gardner) is the only left-back and there's only Gary (Speed) and me who are left-footed." explained Pedersen


"We tried it in Japan and Thailand, but I never thought he would try it in the Premier League.

Pedersen claims that he did not particularly favour playing in this more defensive role but would do so to help the team should the need arise in the future.


"I don't know if you could say that I enjoyed the experience. I prefer to play up front but it's better to be playing than to sit on the bench. If the manager wants me there then I will play there and do my best. I'm happy that it turned out well."