USA national team coach Juergen Klinsmann was amongst the spectators last night to check on Bolton Wanderers midfielder Stuart Holden. The US international was playing his second match back after a serious knee injury as the Trotters took on Rochdale in a Lancashire Senior Cup tie at Leyland's County Ground.
Klinsmann was a surprise guest of Bolton's and he said after the match that Holden's performance was very impressive although he did make it clear that a national team comeback may take some time.
"I thought Stuart did really well," Klinsmann told the club's official website. "We've obviously been keeping a close eye on him since his injury because he's not only a fantastic player, but a great person.
"He's had a lot of attention from all of the staff at Bolton and he is without doubt in the best possible hands. They're treating him wonderfully well and doing all they can to get him back on track which is nice to see.
"He's getting closer and closer, but I'm not looking to get him in United States squad as soon as possible. He's certainly in my plans, but I'm sure I'm one of many who don't want to rush him back.
"We'll follow what Bolton want, because they know him best. I'll be in contact with Owen (Coyle) and I'm sure we'll have plenty of dialogue over the coming months.
"It was the first chance I've had to have a proper chat with him since I started the job with the United States. He really does strike you as a truly genuine person, but I kind of already knew that already having heard what his fellow professionals in the game say about him.
"He's a very good character, has a professional attitude and constantly wants to improve his game. That's exactly the type of player the national team wants. We're building a young team in the United States and he definitely fits into that.
"People in the United States have noticed his ability, and now hopefully he can continue to step it up a bit at a time and surpass the levels he was at prior to his injury."