Gary Megson will resist the urge to hand new signing Ebi Smolarek his Bolton debut this weekend.
Polish ace must wait for debut
Gary Megson will resist the urge to hand new loan signing Ebi Smolarek his Bolton debut away at Fulham this weekend.
The Poland international was on target for his country on Wednesday in a 2010 World Cup qualifier against San Marino, but must wait to be handed his Premier League bow.
Megson believes the striker is yet to reach the physical level required to cope with the rigours of the English top flight, and will give the 27-year-old more time to work on his fitness.
Settle
"I do not think Ebi would know the names of four or five of our players," Megson said of the man who arrived from Racing Santander last month.
"He will not be involved against Fulham as he will need a bit of time to get used to the football here.
"There is no timescale on when he might be ready. Some players settle in really quickly, others never do.
"So we do not know what anyone is able to do as this is entirely different football."
Sunk
Megson has also given his backing to Trotters midfielder Kevin Nolan, who has come under fire from certain sections of the Reebok Stadium faithful of late.
"Kevin wants to win and wants to do well for the club," he said.
"If people are starting having a go at him and are from Bolton, then we are sunk.
"He is a terrific lad and a good player. He is the heart and soul of this club."
