Megson has faith in Elmander

Bolton boss backs Swede to shine

By Chris Burton   Last updated: 6th October 2008

Johan Elmander Bolton Wanderers

Elmander: Record signing

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Bolton boss Gary Megson is confident record signing Johan Elmander will prove to be a shrewd acquisition.

The Sweden international joined the Trotters over the summer for £10million, with his powerful frame expected to help Kevin Davies shoulder the burden of goal scoring expectation.

He did notch on his Premier League debut against Stoke on the opening day of the season, before being struck down by injury.

An impressive return to action of late bodes well for the future and Megson is adamant the Scandinavian front-man can replicate the form he showed during a goal-laden stint in France.

Class

"We are hopeful Johan Elmander can go on and do the things he has done in the past on the continent," Megson said.

"He has not done a massive amount of training because he has been out with a torn hamstring for about five weeks and he needs to get into the pace of the things which we are doing.

"He has only played two full games, but he has already got a goal.

"Johan is a class act and we just need to utilise his strengths and he needs to get used to what we are trying to achieve."

Quality

Megson spent big over the summer in an attempt to bring some added quality into the Reebok Stadium and admits he is happy with the squad he has assembled.

"We spent £15.7million in the summer, and we could have brought in eight players for that money, but I do not think we would have got the quality. So we need the players to stay fit," he said.

"When we played against Stoke, we won 3-1 and played ever so well, but that was the last time we had everyone available. Hopefully now it is getting there."

Goals

Meanwhile, Gary Cahill has urged his team-mates to chip in with some much-needed goals this season.

The centre-half was on target during the 3-1 win at West Ham on Sunday and concedes the Trotters cannot afford to rely on the usual suspects.

"Davies has got four in seven, and (Kevin) Nolan has a record of scoring goals, (Matt) Taylor will chip in - but others have got to share it around," he said.

"Everybody focuses on the fact that Kevin is a big strong lad who competes - but he is also a talented lad who works his socks off.

"We play him wide right and he has no complaints, we move him up front and he just gets on with it.

"We are delighted to have him with us and we are really pleased that he's getting the goals because that's one thing that some people have always tended to criticise him for."