Candela eager to make Bolton debut

Vincent Candela insists he is ready to make his Bolton debut after swapping Rome for Wakefield.

The 31-year-old defender made his first start for the club at Belle Vue last night, helping the reserves defeat Leeds.

Candela, who has signed a short-term contract at Bolton, enjoyed the experience after falling down the pecking order at Roma.

He said: “Football is an international game. The grass is still green here, the pitch is a similar size, so it is not a problem.

“Because it has been since six months since I played regularly, I am looking forward to giving the Bolton supporters something to shout about. Physically I am fine now and ready to go.”

The former international joins fellow Frenchmen Bruno N’Gotty and Florent Laville at the Reebok Stadium.

“They have told me about the professionalism of the club,” he said.

“Rome will always be my city as I spent a lot of time there. But I am very happy to be at Bolton as it is a nice place.”

Candela is in line to link up with the squad against Crystal Palace on Saturday at Selhurst Park.

Manager Sam Allardyce said: “It is too early for Candela to start as he is not in top match fitness but we may consider him on the bench. He did okay last night and we will take it from there in the hope he gets up to speed in the Premiership.”