The American international joined in January from Houston Dynamo, but two separate injuries halted the midfielder's progress in his first five months at the club.

A hamstring strain meant that he was forced to wait for his debut in late February, and after impressing in his first start against Tottenham at White Hart Lane in the FA Cup fifth round replay, manager Owen Coyle kept him in his team for the 1-0 home victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers the following weekend.

However, the Scotland-born man suffered a fractured leg whilst on international duty in a friendly against Holland, which ruled him out for eight weeks. He is set to play a part at this summer's World Cup, possibly playing against England, Algerian and Slovenia in Group C.

The American international signed a deal until the end of the 2009/10 season following a successful trial at the club.

Holden, who was born in Scotland, arrived at the Reebok with the reputation as an attack-minded midfielder, who has spent the vast majority of his career in the MLS.

The 24-year-old has represented Houston Dynamo for the last three-and-a-half years, helping the Texas-based club to become the MLS Cup Winners in 2006.

STUART HOLDEN IS SPONSORED BY WWW.CHOICEONE.ORG.UK