Coyle challenges young guns

Coyle has challenged his youngsters to excel

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Bolton manager Owen Coyle will put his faith in youth as he attempts to save his side from relegation.

Highly-rated Manchester City midfielder Vladimir Weiss and Arsenal playmaker Jack Wilshere both signed on loan during the transfer window and have been charged with helping Bolton out of trouble.

With only goal difference keeping the Trotters out of the drop zone, Coyle reckons 21-year-old Weiss and Wilshere, 19, could provide the catalyst to drive the club up the table and improve their reputations in the process.

He said: "Vladimir and Jack were not going to start in their respective teams but they have an opportunity to do so here.

"It they get that chance it is up to them to hold on to the jersey. It is a fair fight for everyone at this club.

"If you are doing well you will keep the jersey. They are young exciting players."

It is a busy spell for Bolton, who go into Saturday's match at home to Fulham after losing to Liverpool last weekend.

Lying just a point above the drop zone they then face ambitious Manchester City at Eastlands on Tuesday.

However midfielder Matt Taylor believes Bolton can still claim a place in the top half of the table.

"With the players we have, we are capable of doing that but we need to start picking up results," he told the club's official website.

"Games are being crammed in now because of the bad weather and it is very demanding. But that is what we are all here for.

"I won't complain at two games a week because there is no better feeling than running out on the pitch."