DEAN Holdsworth scored both goals in the Reserves' 2-0 win at Bradford last night, confirming his recovery from the knee injury he picked up at Wanderers' training camp in Spain and which he first feared might require surgery.
But Sam Allardyce has warned Holdsworth not to expect a place in his starting line-up at Leicester on Saturday, having missed key games in the pre-season programme.
However, with such a wealth of experience at his disposal, the Wanderers' boss knows he could be worth his weight in gold on the subs' bench.
"Starting the game just won't be in the equation," the manager confirmed. "He's missed the best part of the pre-season in terms of games. He'll be well down in terms of match practice but could be a very valuable sub for us."
And Deano responded: "If the gaffer wants me, I won't just be ready, I'll be in overdrive!"
For all his big time experience, Dean Holdsworth can hardly contain his excitement as he looks forward to the Premiership.
"Look at the size of the fees, all the quality that's in there," enthuses the Wanderers hit man.
"Even Derby and Southampton are spending four and five million and it's growing every year.
"And we want to be up there, to be part of it. It's the place to be.
"We've tried so hard over the last two or three years to get there ... now we've got to make sure we are still there next season."
Now he is like a schoolboy, waiting with bated breath for the nod from Allardyce, the manager he credits for having rescued his Bolton career
"I hope I am in the frame," he says, crossing his fingers. "I'm looking forward to being in the manager's mind somewhere down the line ... and the sooner the better.
"If I'm wanted, I'll be ready."
Holdsworth knows from years of experience at Wimbledon that the bookies do not always get it right (how the Crazy Gang revelled in defying the relegation odds, season after season!) and he is just one of many at the Reebok who are determined to make the prophets of doom eat their words.
"There's some very strong willed individuals here," he counters, "and I'm one of them.
"We'll be looking at it as a challenge and doing our best to prove a few people wrong.
"And proving people wrong can be really satisfying.
"But it's important for us to get a good start. It's not an ideal situation if you're playing catch up, especially in the Premier League.
"So, if we can come away from Leicester with something, we'll be more than pleased."
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