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VETERAN: Ricardo Gardner

THE OUTSTANDING career of Ricardo Gardner is in doubt after a knee injury ruled the defender out for the rest of the season.

Gardner has not been included in Bolton’s squad of 25 players for the second half of the season, fuelling speculation that his 14 year career at the club will soon come to an end. After being initially sidelined with thigh strain it was discovered that Gardner had also suffered another knee injury.

The one-time Reggae Boyz captain had only just recovered from an injury months before.
Returning to Bolton after a loan spell at Preston, Gardner was given a one-year extension on his contract in order to regain his spot in the club's rotation.

Bolton manager Owen Coyle, however, has remained tight-lipped regarding the player's future role at the club.
"The doctor and the medical staff don't think he'll be able to play again before the end of the season," Coyle admitted.

Gardner rose to international prominence – and Bolton’s attention - following the 1998 World Cup. His performances for Jamaica during the 1998 tournament attracted Bolton Wanderers, then playing in what is now known as the Football League Championship to offer Harbour View £1 million for his services.

Gardner, who has 109 international caps to his name, was adjudged the Bolton Wanderers Player of the Year in 2006.