U.S. midfielder Stuart Holden joined the Premier League club Bolton on Tuesday until the end of the season.
The Scottish-born player's contract with the Houston Dynamo has expired following four seasons in Major League Soccer. He is joining Bolton on a free transfer after an impressive trial earlier this month.
The 24-year-old Holden is set to play at the World Cup in South Africa in June. He has scored twice in 12 international appearances.
``This was the hardest decision I've had to make in my career, but at the end of the day I felt it was the right time to test myself at the highest level,'' Holden said. ``Having had a short spell over here when I was younger, I knew all about the passion for football in this country and that helped to draw me back.''
``The Premier League is one of the best leagues in the world and I was really excited when this opportunity came up. Now I am looking forward to getting involved and getting started.''
Bolton is trying to avoid relegation and is currently among the three teams that would be demoted.
``Stuart has been training with us and he has done well,'' Bolton manager Owen Coyle said. ``He has a great energy and desire, and he wants to show that he can play in the best league in the world, so he is a young man with a point to prove.''
