Holden in Woodland stay hint

DEAN Holden has confirmed he has an eye on Luke Woodland becoming a fully fledged Athletic player in time for next season.

The on-loan Bolton man (19), who is out at present with a calf injury, has a loan deal running until the end of the campaign. With his contract at the Macron Stadium set to reach an end this summer, Holden’s hope is that a player who grew into his role in the side will be enticed to stay on permanently with Athletic.

“He is injured at the moment but he will be back quite soon,” Holden said. “It’s more about keeping him in our system. He has enjoyed his time here and has done a good job for us. He’s a great lad around the place; it’s as much about keeping him within the group until the end of the season and possibly further beyond.”