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Phil Parkinson reckons Josh Vela isn’t getting the credit for the hard work he puts in for Wanderers.
The home-grown midfielder’s form has come under the microscope in recent weeks but following the weekend’s 1-1 draw with Ipswich Town, Parkinson has leapt to Vela’s defence.
“Josh works very, very hard for the team and people don’t see the physical stats, the output which is reported back to us on a Monday morning. His running power and effort levels for the side are terrific,” he told The Bolton News.
Vela has found the back of the net just once this season, and had a golden opportunity to open the scoring after just 15 seconds on Saturday which went begging.
His solitary strike came in the home win over Cardiff City on December 23, one of 19 games he has played since returning from an ankle injury sustained on the opening day against Leeds United.
But while the lack of goals has been a source of frustration to the 24-year-old, Parkinson insists he is happy with his overall input.
“He had a great chance really early on and when you look at it, you’re screaming just to toe-poke it in. The goal was gaping,” he said.
“Obviously he wants a few more of those moments where he’s getting on the end of things, we know that, but in terms of making sure the team is tight out of possession he’s doing a great job. It allows us to have those two full-backs who like to maul forward, the two wide players who get forward, and it makes the balance of the team right.”
Parkinson pointed out, however, that Vela did play a key part in Gary Madine’s goal against Mick McCarthy’s side.
“Antonee produced a good cross from the left and Josh made a decent run to get a nick at the near post,” he said. “That’s important because if he doesn’t make that run the ball gets headed clear.
“Gaz reacted terrifically and it wasn’t an easy finish because the ball came at him quickly.
“That continues his run and he’s in a good run of form.”
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The home-grown midfielder’s form has come under the microscope in recent weeks but following the weekend’s 1-1 draw with Ipswich Town, Parkinson has leapt to Vela’s defence.
“Josh works very, very hard for the team and people don’t see the physical stats, the output which is reported back to us on a Monday morning. His running power and effort levels for the side are terrific,” he told The Bolton News.
Vela has found the back of the net just once this season, and had a golden opportunity to open the scoring after just 15 seconds on Saturday which went begging.
His solitary strike came in the home win over Cardiff City on December 23, one of 19 games he has played since returning from an ankle injury sustained on the opening day against Leeds United.
But while the lack of goals has been a source of frustration to the 24-year-old, Parkinson insists he is happy with his overall input.
“He had a great chance really early on and when you look at it, you’re screaming just to toe-poke it in. The goal was gaping,” he said.
“Obviously he wants a few more of those moments where he’s getting on the end of things, we know that, but in terms of making sure the team is tight out of possession he’s doing a great job. It allows us to have those two full-backs who like to maul forward, the two wide players who get forward, and it makes the balance of the team right.”
Parkinson pointed out, however, that Vela did play a key part in Gary Madine’s goal against Mick McCarthy’s side.
“Antonee produced a good cross from the left and Josh made a decent run to get a nick at the near post,” he said. “That’s important because if he doesn’t make that run the ball gets headed clear.
“Gaz reacted terrifically and it wasn’t an easy finish because the ball came at him quickly.
“That continues his run and he’s in a good run of form.”
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