Elmander defends displays

Bolton striker happy with contribution despite lack of goals

By Kent Hedlundh   Last updated: 7th April 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Elmander defends displays

Elmander: Happy with displays

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Johan Elmander has defended his Bolton scoring record and insists he brings more to Gary Megson's side than just goals.

Sweden international striker Elmander became the club's record signing when he moved to the Reebok Stadium from Toulouse in a £10million deal this summer.

Despite scoring on his debut against Stoke, the former Feyenoord and Brondby man has struggled to find the net since with just four further goals to his name.

The last time Elmander's name was on the scoresheet was in the 4-2 defeat by Aston Villa back on 13th December, 12 games ago.

But the forward insists he has no concerns over his displays for the Trotters and claims he has the full support of manager Gary Megson and his team-mates.

Perfectly

He told Sportbladet: "I play exactly as I should.

"I receive the ball up front. It is working perfectly. The coach praises me, my team-mates praise me. I am happy and pleased."

Bolton boss Megson certainly has no complaints over Elmander's energetic contributions, but would prefer the forward to have a few more goals to his name.

The Trotters chief feels Elmander's confidence has been dented by his recent drought and admits the club's fans may not see the best of him until next season.

Judged

He told the Bolton News: "He's got a great deal of quality. But we are still a team in transition. Maybe he's joined us a year too early from his own point of view.

"He's never been a massive goalscorer throughout his career but that's not to say I'm not disappointed for him. I'd hope and pray that he does finish with a few goals because as a centre forward, he'll be judged by that. But from the club's point of view, we are happy with him.

"If you look at his work-rate and the effort he is putting in - his contribution to what we do - more often than not we win games when he is in the side.

"Maybe he is struggling for a little bit of confidence because people are starting to look at the goals he hasn't scored. That happens to a lot of players."