Former Aston Villa captain Olof Mellberg has given his backing to Johan Elmander and urged Bolton to stand by his Sweden team-mate.
Elmander has struggled to live up to his £10million price tag since joining Bolton from Toulouse in 2008.
The 28-year-old has scored only one league goal this term for a team that are just two points above the relegation zone.
However, he remains highly regarded in his homeland and Mellberg believes new Trotters boss Owen Coyle should persist with him.
"I haven't seen too much of Bolton to have a great opinion but I know Johan as a player," said Mellberg, 32.
"Bolton have struggled in the Premier League - it is really tough - and it is a big change to come from where he came from and was able to dominate. But he is very hard-working and a good striker. I am sure he will do very well in the future."
