Bolton midfielder Stuart Holden sees this summer's World Cup campaign as the ideal preparation for the Premier League season. Holden's international commitments disrupted his Wanderers career soon after his arrival at the Reebok Stadium in January, with a fractured fibula he sustained while playing for the United States ruling him out for more than two months.
"Coming in last season in January I had some injuries but got a little bit of a taste of the Premier League games," the 25 year old said.
"It's really nice to have the World Cup under my belt, have had a little break and now to come back feeling fully healthy into a side that is looking to push on and do better than last year.
"I started in the MLS, made a name for myself there and then broke on to the international scene.
"I think now, having played in the Premier League a little bit last year, I really want to make an impact this year to show that I can play at this level week in week out.
"First and foremost it's my job to help my team win, so if I can provide some crosses, some goals and that workmanlike ethic that I pride myself on then I can help this team really compete and I will be happy with that."
Holden revealed that he had decided to return to training with Bolton earlier than required as he was so eager to get into the swing of pre-season.
"Having taken a little bit of a break after the World Cup I found myself raring to get back into it," he said.
"The manager gave me two options of when to come back and I chose the earlier date.
"I met up with them in the United States (where the squad was on tour) because I really wanted to get back into it with the guys and build on that momentum from the World Cup.
"Those experiences really had me chomping at the bit to get back and to start this Premier League season well."
