Last season's Best Newcomer has endured a stop-start 2009/10 season, thanks largely to a knee injury that has ruled him out of action for the last three months.

Indeed, this season has consisted of just 10 first-team appearances, the last of which came back in February.

In the weeks leading up to the final match of the season against Birmingham, Basham returned to full training and is already looking forward to a fresh start when the players report back for pre-season.

Chris Basham has made great strides at the Reebok since graduating from the club's reserve set-up. 

The former Newcastle United trainee was snapped up by Bolton in 2006 and performed steadily in the reserves, before picking up vital first-team experience during a loan spell at Rochdale.

The Sunderland-born youngster made his Wanderers debut against his hometown club in November 2008, during the Whites' 4-1 victory at the Stadium of Light.

Basham then made his first start at the Emirates Stadium at the turn of the year as injuries, suspensions and illness hit Bolton's squad. He followed that up with an admirable performance in centre-midfield a week later against Manchester United, who were reigning Premier League Champions.

Basham, whose versatility means he can occupy positions in both defence and midfield, undoubtedly has a bright future ahead of him.