Bolton boosted by fit-again Gary Cahill's return to action

Bolton Wanderers have been boosted by the return to fitness of Gary Cahill who admitted fearing for his long-term future after spending the last two months recovering from surgery after a blood clot. The central defender believes he is ready to make his first senior appearance since 30 January against Manchester United on Saturday after his injury required the removal of a section of his ribs. "It came as a total shock to me and, at first, I feared the worst and thought it was going to be long term," said Cahill. "But I've come back a lot earlier and quicker than some people thought, and it's good to be back." After coming through 90 minutes in the reserves on Monday, Cahill added: "You would have to ask the gaffer, but I'd like to think that's me finished in the reserves. I've proved I'm fit to play 90 minutes and that was a big thing, so this weekend I'm available for selection." His fellow defender Zat Knight, meanwhile, is convinced Bolton can hinder United's attempt to win the championship. Bolton head into the game on the back of an impressive recent home run that has seen them take 10 points from an available 12 at the Reebok Stadium. Their form is based on a mean defensive record, in which they have kept four successive clean sheets. "It's going to be a tough game, but our home form has served us well in the last few months," said Knight. "Anything you get against Manchester United is still a good result at home. On the road, it's hard, but any time you have a game at home then you expect to get something from it."