Dougie Freedman confirms Stuart Holden is back in first team training as the American steps up his recovery
Manager Dougie Freedman has welcomed the return of Stuart Holden to first-team training, as the American continues his rehabilitation from a knee injury.The 27-year-old is making his return from a long-term knee problem that was initially sustained in a game against Manchester United in March 2011.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Freedman said: “Stuart has been training one day on one day off which is great. The problem we have, and I do stress this to everyone, is that Stuart has been out for a long time and there will be absolutely no rush from the coaches’ point of view.
“He is training with us on every second day. He is looking nice and fit and his sharpness will come. He is such an enthusiastic lad and he is great to have around. I have tried to encourage Stuart to get around the place which is good for us.
“But we are still a couple months away from seeing Stuart, let’s not kid ourselves, but we are looking forward to that.”
Wanderers suffered their first defeat in six games against Ipswich Town last weekend - ending Freedman’s unbeaten start to life at the Reebok - but the Scot has been pleased by the reaction of his side as they continue their preparations for Saturday’s trip to Huddersfield.
“The lads have been very positive in their training ahead of the Huddersfield game,” Freedman added. “It was a disappointing result at the weekend, and the lads were bitterly disappointed and hurt, but on Monday the hard work began for Saturday’s game. Lessons have been learned.
“Huddersfield have spent a lot of money in their attempts to get promoted to the Championship and Simon Grayson has done a terrific job there. They have spent a lot of money on a lot of strikers - but it has proved to be very difficult for them in this division, but I am sure they will have them fired up and ready to go against us.
“I have seen the lads train all week and there is no doubt that we are looking forward to it. We have had a good week and we are ready for the game.”