Bolton manager Dougie Freedman has indicated that Stuart Holden will be offered a new contract in the summer.
The 28-year old American midfielder has been largely sidelined for the past three years with serious knee injuries but could be retained by the English Championship club at the culmination of the current campaign.
Freedman also made it clear that Holden would not be hurried back into the Trotters side despite the fact his side is sitting precariously close to the relegation zone.
"I have spoken to Stuart and I will keep that conversation private on what I have said about next year," Freedman told the Bolton News.
"But what I said did ease him a little bit. I haven't put Stuart under any pressure to play.
"It's unfair for me, as coach, to do that because of what's happened to him in the last couple of years.
"I wouldn't rush him back or make him do extra as in most cases because that could be detrimental to his other muscles, not just the knee."
