Veteran Bolton midfielder Gary Speed insists his coaching role at the Reebok Stadium is still secondary to playing.

The 37-year-old, who is a regular in Sammy Lee's line-up, was appointed to the backroom staff last season. He has already achieved his UEFA A badge and will start his Pro Licence qualifications next May.

But he told the Manchester Evening News: "I am still playing and I still train every day so I can't coach when I'm training.

"Hopefully, that will be the case all season so I don't do much practical coaching on the training pitch. However, in the conversations we have, before and after games, I'm involved.

"It's a massive learning curve for me and I'm really enjoying it. Doing both roles does extend the day but it's not a chore and I am learning a hell of a lot from it.

"But I want to play for as long as I can. Maybe when I finish we can look into things but playing is a priority."