Ian Evatt said he was delighted to have Xavier Amaechi back available for Bolton Wanderers after the winger's long awaited debut for the club.
The Hamburg loanee finally played his first competitive match for Wanderers since arriving in the summer transfer window.
He has been out and recovering from a fractured metatarsal picked up in pre-season against Preston North End.
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But the 20-year-old came off the bench in last night's 2-0 win over Crewe Alex as Wanderers returned to winning ways in League One.
And Evatt paid tribute to the former Arsenal winger's attitude to his rehab and for making sacrifices to come to Wanderers in the first place.
He said: "I’m absolutely delighted to have him back. We’ve just now got to keep him in one piece and be patient with him. He was one of our marquee signings in the summer.
"I know he’s only a loan player but it was a really difficult deal to do with Hamburg in particular, a European club, and then Xav having to sacrifice some of his own salary to come because obviously he’s had a fantastic move and has a very good salary, so I’m pleased for him because he’s moved away.
"He sacrificed some of his own money to come and then an injury pre-season to keep him out until November is a tough one to take but his attitude to rehabilitation has been first class and hopefully now he’ll get his rewards and we’ll get the rewards of having him back.”
After a goalless first half at the University of Bolton Stadium, Wanderers broke the deadlock when Amadou Bakayoko was brought down in the box.
Josh Sheehan stepped up to coolly slot home from the penalty spot and give the hosts the advantage.
And Bakayoko grabbed Bolton's second goal shortly after, stabbing home from Elias Kachunga's low cross to ensure the hosts claimed their first win in the division since the start of October and climb to 10th in the league.
Evatt revealed that, in light of the injured Eoin Doyle who is usually on penalty duty, despite Bakayoko winning the penalty, he made it clear he wanted Sheehan to take the spot kick.
But he was pleased that the forward got on the scoresheet shortly afterwards and the win sets Wanderers up for a feelgood Sunday with the upcoming charity match.
Evatt said: "He had no choice, I told him to! Josh Sheehan is a penalty taker so when Eoin’s not playing, it’s important that we have someone that takes regular penalties and Baka gave it up really well, and took it really well and then it’s just the way it works that he manages to get a goal a few minutes later, so I’m really pleased for him.
“First half we created some really good moments from really good play. We just didn’t take our chances, which is like us to be honest!
"I was delighted with that and delighted that Baka was in the right place to get the goal. The win tonight was the most important thing because it really sets up the weekend for Gethin and his family.
“That for me is the most important thing. We had to win the game for ourselves and the league position and obviously stop the rot, but also for Gethin and his family because there will be a better feelgood factor this weekend and it speaks volumes for this football club of how everybody has come together to show support for charity and Gethin’s family. He deserves it.”
