Bolton Wanderers boss Owen Coyle is keen to see David Wheater in action.
Wheater is set for an extended chance with Zat Knight ruled out for six weeks with injury.
Wheater turned 24 on Monday and, like his new centre-back partner Gary Cahill, is considered one of England's most promising defenders.
Coyle added: "They have tremendous mobility, they have real desire, they're very young and they'll continue to get better.
"We were excited with the signing of David Wheater but he knew, given the partnership that Gary Cahill and Zat Knight had, that he was going to have to be patient and bide his time until he got his opportunity.
"We have real belief in him and it will be up to David, now that he's got that jersey, to do everything he can to hold onto it."
