Megson stops Speed from going on loan

Bolton boss Gary Megson has blocked Gary Speed's loan move to Sheffield United and insisted the veteran midfielder has a big role to play at the Reebok Stadium.

Speed has played down suggestions of a major rift with former manager Sammy Lee, but Sheffield United boss Bryan Robson moved to get the former Leeds United man to Bramall Lane on loan.

The deal was at an advanced stage when Megson was confirmed as Lee's successor a fortnight ago.

The new boss was quick to assure Speed he still had a part to play in the Trotters fight for survival. So now the former Wales international is going nowhere.

'Gary will not be going out on loan,' said Megson. 'I see him as an integral part of what we need to try and do.

'Since I have been here, Gary has been fantastic. He is a terrific lad and a positive influence, in the dressing room, on the training ground and on the pitch, which is exactly what I expected.

'He has had a fantastic career. We want it to finish on a high and so does Gary.'

Speed's experience alone could be a major factor in what is developing into a long, hard season for Bolton.

The north-west outfit are still to record a win in three games since Megson was confirmed as manager and Wednesday's Carling Cup defeat to Manchester City brought an additional piece of bad news with a hamstring injury to Joey O'Brien, which makes the Republic of Ireland international a major doubt for Sunday's trip to West Ham.

With top-scorer Nicolas Anelka also missing and both Kevin Davies and Andy O'Brien struggling too, Megson is not having the easiest reintroduction to Premier League life.

However, the former West Brom chief is anxious not to let the injury situation get him down.

'We do have one or two problems but so has everyone else,' he said. I am not someone who wants to be flagging it up all the time and quote the number of injuries we have.

'We would like Nicolas Anelka to be fit on Sunday but he isn't. The fact he is not available just gives someone else the chance to show what he can do.'