Bolton manager Owen Coyle has insisted that Kevin Davies will bounce back from his inconsistent start to the season and continue performing at a high level.

The Bolton captain, who has been a regular in the side since 2003, has been a surprise omission from the team's recent starting lineup. However, his manager has insisted that the striker is far from finished.

"Kevin is a fantastic captain and a fantastic man," he said. "But he will be the first to admit he has not been as consistent as last season. He has suffered with the team, but he has still got a big part to play.

"I left him out but he has reacted in a positive manner, as I would expect. He wants to do better for himself and the team. He is the consummate professional and a club man through and through.

"There is no doubt that he can still perform at the highest level and he is determined to do that."

Davies could be in line to return to the starting lineup against Stoke City later today.