Holden accepts Evans' apology for knee injury

Stuart Holden has revealed that Jonny Evans has been in touch after his tackle ruled the American out for six months. Holden sustained a knee injury on Saturday from a challenge which led to Evans' dismissal. He will miss the rest of the season, including Bolton's FA Cup semi-final against Stoke City.

Yesterday Holden wrote on Twitter that Evans had called him. "Just had a sincere phone call from Jonny Evans wishing me the best in my recovery," he revealed, "def wasn't intentional, just unfortunate part of the game." The Ulsterman was sent off by referee Andre Marriner for the tackle and will now miss Manchester United's league games with West Ham and Fulham and the FA Cup semi-final against Manchester City.

Holden will also miss his side's cup semi-final and may struggle to be fit for the start of next season. "I can promise you all I will come back stronger and better than before," he wrote on Twitter, "Have had bad luck in the past and will continue to beat it."

Owen Coyle bemoaned the loss of arguably Bolton's player of the year. "Stuart has been outstanding for this season", said Coyle, "and he has shown in his performances that is one of the best midfielders in the Barclays Premier League. He has such desire, strength of character and a winning mentality, and he will draw on all those attributes in his rehabilitation."