EIDUR Gudjohnsen has paid a glowing tribute to Bolton Wanderers for the part the club played in reviving his shattered career.

The blond-haired striker, a £4m close season signing by Chelsea, was languishing with an amateur team back home in Iceland when Colin Todd made him an offer he couldn't refuse.

Speaking on Sky Sports The Last Word with Jimmy Hill, Gudjohnsen said: "They took a bit of a risk. I had a trial with Bolton for a week, out of the blue.

"I'm very grateful to Bolton Wanderers. The first time I came on, against Birmingham, I thought 'Yes'. I'm back.'"

Gudjohnsen had been tipped for big things when he played alongside the great Ronaldo with Ajax until a severe injury looked to have left him on the soccer scrap heap.

He said: " I was playing for an amateur team in Iceland when Bolton made their offer.

"As soon as I came into the first team I was very pleased. Scoring goals . . . it's a great feeling.

"I always wanted to play in the Premier League and I was very disappointed not to do it with Bolton. Losing out in the play-offs to Watford was very disappointing.

"I'll always be grateful to Bolton. They took a bit of a risk, but in the end both parties were happy. I got my move (to Chelsea) and they got £4m, which is not a bad deal either." On his progress since moving to Chelsea squad he said: "Every player wants to play every week. I was delighted with the goal against Liverpool, which was my first in the Premiership.