Bolton sign Wheater from Boro

(GETTY IMAGES)

New Bolton signing David Wheater has been tipped by manager Owen Coyle to win back a place in the England squad.

Wheater, 23, completed his first training session with the club today after signing a three-and-a-half-year deal following his move from Middlesbrough for an undisclosed fee.

He will go straight into the squad for the home match against Chelsea on Monday.

Coyle predicts a bright future for the Redcar-born defender, who was called up for England in 2008.

Coyle said: "I am absolutely delighted to bring a quality player to the club and a young player at that at 23. He has already played in tremendous fashion in the Premier League and been involved in some England squads. We want to get him back to that level.

"To do that he has to do well for Bolton. He is an exciting signing and shows again if we are going to spend money we are going to invest it in young players.

"I put across how we go about our work and he has bought into that. I was very impressed by him as a man outwith his footballing abilities.

"I had a great feeling when I chatted to him. He comes with a real hunger, a real desire to be the best he can and that augurs well for Bolton.

"David has a number of strengths. He is dominant in the air and comfortable on the ball. He can pass the ball well and is a good reader of the game."

Coyle emphasised that Wheater's arrival does not mean highly-rated Gary Cahill will be leaving Bolton.

"We only have Gary and Zat Knight as our centre-backs," said the Bolton boss. "With David coming it adds real strength and competition to that area.

"There is no situation with Gary. There has been no dialogue between me and any other managers. Hopefully that situation won't change."

Wheater has already finished second best to Coyle - at table tennis.

They had a game at the club's Euxton training complex as Wheater waited for the results of his medical.

Wheater said: "One of the first things the manager mentioned to me was how good he is at table tennis and I got slaughtered.

"So I need to improve. Hopefully he can improve me as a footballer as well.

"I was ready for the move. I was at Middlesbrough a long time and I needed to make that step up.

"The chance to play in the Premier League was too good to turn down, especially with the type of manager at Bolton and the players here."