Bolton Wanderers have completed the signing of their former striker Eidur Gudjohnsen until the end of the season.
The Icelandic record goalscorer, who left the club 14 years ago, had been training with Wanderers following his release by Club Brugge.
The 36-year-old former Chelsea and Barcelona star scored 27 goals in 77 appearances for Bolton from 1998-2000, and is hoping to be given clearance to feature in tomorrow’s clash with Reading.
Neil Lennon expressed his joy at being able to take up the option on the striker, and hinted that he hopes that the Icelander can have a big role to play between now and May.
“I’m delighted to have Eidur on board,” he said. “I think he will be a big game player and enjoy the occasion, and he is relishing getting back out on the field.
“It may take him a little time to adjust to the Championship and the style of play that is required of him, but he has come in with a completely open mind.
“He’s motivated, he’s done everything that has been asked of him on the physical side of things and he can only get better.
“In terms of his footballing ability, we all know what he is capable of and that is an exciting prospect.
“He is a quality player, and he knows exactly what we expect of him going forward – he is definitely looking forward to the challenge ahead of him.
“With Mark Davies out and Chungy possibly unavailable in January [due to international commitments] he’s someone we felt we needed.”
Gudjohnsen’s signing could well be followed by that of another veteran Premier League striker in Emile Heskey, after the former England man started training with the club earlier this week.
Lennon spoke about the possibility of signing his former Leicester teammate to partner Gudjohnsen up front after the 36-year-old Englishman ended a two-year spell with Australian side Newcastle Jets.
“Emile is a free agent and I know him very well from my time at Leicester. Another player that we tried to sign in our time at Celtic,” the Northern Irishman added.
“He may be coming to the end of his career but he still has good attributes. We’re going to have a look at him over the next two weeks and see if he’s got something to offer.”
“We’re pleased he has come in. There is a hunger there for him to keep playing. I’ve known him since he was 17, and I feel he can have plenty left in his legs. You don’t lose quality.”
Main image courtesy of Bolton Wanderers FC via YouTube, with thanks.
