Bridges out to prove a point

Michael Bridges is determined to prove he belongs in the top flight with Bolton.

The former England Under-21 striker left debt-ridden Leeds in the summer after failing to win a contract at Newcastle, where he had three months on loan.

Bridges believes he can flourish in his new surroundings as he has been injury-free for 18 months.

"It was a bitter disappointment that it did not work out at Newcastle as they are my club," he said. "I felt I did not get the rub of the green.

"There was no way I could stay with Leeds as my five-year contract had ended and there was a massive clear-out.

"I am delighted to be at Bolton. I have a lot to prove to some people and myself in the season ahead to finally get rid of that injury-plagued tag.

"It tends to be forgotten that I have been fit now for the past 18 months."

Bridges faces stiff competition for a first team place with Kevin Davies, Henrik Pedersen and Les Ferdinand also in the frame.

But he said: "I am happy to fit in anywhere and do not mind playing out wide, I have a good pair of lungs."

Bridges is thrilled to be linking up again with manager Sam Allardyce after a spell together at Sunderland.

He said: "I worked with Sam when I was about 16-17. He was old school then but now he is into statistics and science.

"They have a great backroom team and that was part of the attraction in coming to Bolton."