New-boy Holden set for Bolton debut against Spurs

Stuart Holden fulfilled his destiny when he signed for Bolton Wanderers - and now he wants to keep his United States World Cup dream alive too.

Midfielder Holden joined Owen Coyle's club for footballing and family reasons and will make his first start in the FA Cup clash with Tottenham tonight to complete the first half of his personal odyssey.

Holden may have arrived from Houston Dynamo after spending 15 years in the States, but his roots are in the Bolton area where his late father Brian was born and he felt that connection was as much a pull as signing for Coyle.

The American star said: "My dad passed away a year ago. The funeral had been in the US but he wanted his ashes sent back over here.

Just last week I got the chance to visit his grave. It was very emotional, but it was also good.

"Losing my dad was tough, he was my biggest supporter. He had pancreatic cancer and it was hard for all of us. But I have used his inspiration as an influence on my career in a positive way.

"I still wear his Livestrong wristband every day. He wore it for six years and I have not had it off once since. Every time I play I know he is watching down proudly.

"It's strange how things work out. I knew I would fit in here at Bolton because of him and with my family around me. I am staying with my grandparents - and this feels like the club of my roots.

"It's a culture I am familiar with, the players and the staff are great too, so I am really fitting in and it's been a great experience."

Holden knows that he now has to produce on the pitch, with the Unites States starting their World Cup build-up in earnest with a friendly against Holland next week.

He was a regular in their qualifiers but knows he took a chance by coming to Bolton at a time when he needs to play and admitted: "I know that the competition for places is strong and most of those players are now in teams in Europe.

"I knew it was a gamble coming here because it could go two ways. I could come over and play and help my chances or put my World Cup place in jeopardy.

"But I was also looking at it as a decision that would affect my career not just for six months but for years to come. I had the confidence in my own ability to break into the team."  

Holden has a big date with England on his mind in the World Cup finals and thinks he is learning more about that task on a daily basis - even if he is also changing his accent in the process.

He understandably has an American twang from his time in Texas despite being born in Aberdeen, which also makes him the only Scot likely to be playing at the finals.

And all of that just adds to the expectation levels as he said: "I am seeing Premier League games all of the time, so I am finding out what England have and they have some great players. It would be a great game to be part of when we meet.

"The lads are all giving me stick, asking if I am a Yank or a Jock. The old accent is creeping back in as I mix with the group."

Holden will get his chance for Bolton tonight - along with a handful of others - as Coyle gives his fringe men the opportunity to stake their claims.

Coyle is leaving out some senior players and also has a lot of injuries to cope with. He knows there is a huge game with Wolves on Saturday too, so the Spurs replay is not as vital as it could be.

The Bolton chief said: "You have got to recognise the importance of the Wolves match. Would you give up the FA Cup to stay in the Premier League? Obviously.

"We are looking to make a real game of it, but we know where our priorities lie. There are some players who need a game and there will be changes to freshen it up.

"The boys who are ready will get an opportunity to impress. We are not blessed with a big squad but we will make the best of what we have got. The players who play are worthy of the shirt."