Meite rejects Megson claims

Defender says he would have been a hindrance

Last updated: 29th March 2008

bolton abdoulaye meite man utd

Meite: Wouldn't refuse to play

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Bolton Wanderers defender Abdoulaye Meite has denied claims he did not want to play the second half against Manchester United.

The Ivory Coast international was replaced by Nicky Hunt at half-time during the 2-0 defeat at Old Trafford earlier this month.

Gary Megson revealed earlier in the week that Meite 'didn't want to play on' and that his team-mates were unhappy with the situation.

Meite also rejected a loan move to Ipswich Town before Thursday's deadline, while there was also interest from other Championship clubs.

Struggling

But Meite insists the reason for his failure to reappear for the second half against United was due to an injury.

"I would never refuse to play without justification," Meite told the Bolton News.

"We were at Old Trafford - every player wants to play there, but I was struggling in the first half and genuinely felt I would be more of a hindrance if I carried on.

"I told the manager this, but he obviously didn't believe me."