Reo-Coker backing for Bouma

Dutchman tipped to return 'stonger than ever'

Last updated: 27th July 2008

Wilfred Bouma Holland

Bouma: Given support

Related links

Teams

Players

Also see

Nigel Reo-Coker expects Wilfred Bouma to come back 'stronger than ever' from his ankle injury.

The Dutch defender was stretchered off after only 12 minutes of Villa's Intertoto Cup victory over Odense on Saturday following a collision with Baye Djiby Fall.

It was later discovered that he had dislocated his right ankle and would be facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

Reo-Coker feels sorry for his team-mate and admits it was difficult to look at the sickening injury when it happened.

However, he has paid tribute to Bouma's strength of character and tipped him to return a better player

"These things happen in football. It was a horrific incident and when I saw the injury I was close to tears. I had to move away," the midfielder told Villa's official website.

"It is awful when it's one of your own team-mates. He's a great guy and my thoughts go out to him and his family.

"He will get through this because he is a strong character - one of the strongest in the dressing room.

"He'll come back stronger than ever."