[AMERICANS ABROAD] Stuart Holden took another step in his latest comeback, playing for Bolton Wanderers in an indoor scrimmage played behind-closed-doors against Wigan. Bolton manager Dougie Freedman is counting on Holden returning by the end of January so the club doesn't have to look for midfield help on the winter transfer market.

“We had an indoor game last week against Wigan in which Stuart played 60-70 minutes," said Bolton manager. "He played very well and came through it. He probably needs another two or three behind-closed-doors games but hopefully he will be ready by the middle of January. It is difficult but we are doing our best to squeeze games in. The plan is that he is back by the end of the month and then I don’t have to go and get a central midfielder in.”

Holden returned to training in December with the Bolton first team as he continued his rehabilitation from a knee injury that he first suffered in a challenge from Manchester United's Jonny Evans in March 2011.

A lot has changed since Holden played his last game for Bolton in September 2011. It was relegated to the League Championship, and Owen Coyle, the manager who signed him, was fired.

Bolton, which is tied for 14th place in the 24-team League Championship, also hopes to get Mark Davies back in January. The central midfielder injured his collarbone in early December.