Bolton manager Owen Coyle admits that Martin Petrov is desperate to play against Manchester City when the two sides clash in the Premier League on Saturday.
The talented Bulgarian left Eastlands in the summer after struggling to cement a first-team place and while he has made an impact with the Trotters, injuries have limited his involvement this season.
But after not starting a game since October, Petrov came off the bench to help inspire a second-half comeback against Blackpool in his last match.
Coyle told The Bolton News: "He's desperate to play and rightly so. Martin Petrov is a top player. He was in the team and got injured and Matt Taylor has come in and done well.
"Martin has had to be patient but he works his socks off in training and is a consummate professional in how he looks after himself and his body.
"He came on against Blackpool and scored a goal, and he could've had a couple more. If you're not in the team of course you're frustrated but they're part of the group and they know it."
