MATT JANSEN will play for Town Reserves tonight (7.00).
The 31-year-old former Blackburn striker has trained with Lee Clark’s squad since Monday and will partner the returning Andy Booth against Rotherham at the Don Valley Stadium.
Jansen – who had a loan spell at Coventry City before joining Bolton – is no longer under contract to a club.
“We are just getting Matt back into a football club environment and there is no pressure from either side,” explained Clark.
“Matt has trained with us for the last couple of days, he has done very, very well and when I asked if he would play in the Reserves he said ‘yes’ straight away.
He isn’t contracted with anyone just now, he is keen to get back into football and we are offering him a platform to perform.
“We have been trying to add to our striker options and Matt is training with us; that’s as far as it has gone.”
Jansen started his career with hometown Carlisle United and had a year at Crystal Palace before making his name in over 180 games at Ewood Park, where he netted 57 goals in the top flight and cup competitions.
“You don’t play at the level he has done unless you are a quality player,” added Clark.
“He is still young enough at 31 and he is very, very fit.
“I know Matt through a mutual friend, I’ve met him on a couple of occasions in the past and I had no hesitation in saying he could join us in training with the rest of the lads.
“I have to say he has really enjoyed himself, he has looked right at home with our squad on the training ground and, as I’ve said, he was more than happy to have a run-out with the Reserves.”
Clark is unable to play Anthony Tehoue tonight because his international clearance has not come through.
“It’s becoming more and more frustrating,” admitted the manager.
“Anthony has been looking very sharp and bright on the training ground and it’s a real shame we can’t play him.
“We are in the hands of FIFA, who are clearing their backlog in the wake of the transfer window, and there’s nothing more we can do other than wait.”
Clark hopes Tehoue will be available for Saturday’s trip to Crewe and is giving a run-out to several other senior players tonight.
Reserves – Eastham, T Clarke, Lucketti, Unsworth, Werling, Skarz, Flynn, Craney, Berrett, Booth, Jansen.
