Bolton midfielder Stuart Holden has thanked the clubs fans for getting him through his recent knee injury.
The USA international returned to play a full 90 minutes in the Trotters' 2-0 Carling Cup at Aston Villa last night and today said it was the well-wishes of the Bolton supporters which assisted him through his six months on the sidelines.
"My hospital room was flooded with cards and flowers as soon as I got the injury and the fans have kept me motivated throughout," he told the Bolton News.
"I've tried to keep them up to date with videos and updates and I know they appreciated that.
"When the manager announced I'd be in the team I had over 1,000 tweets and I'll bet there are plenty more waiting for me because I came through 90 minutes and the team got a much-needed win."
And Holden said it was the Bolton medical team who received congratulations from him after he got through the game unscathed.
"The injury was tough and to sit and watch for the last six months has been draining but it's given me more motivation to get back," he added.
"The first people I hugged after the game were the medical staff who have helped me through to this level. For me, this is another step along the way."
