Patience pays off for Phil

Sep 20 2007 By David Triggs

PHIL Bolland was happy to give a good account of himself after making a rare appearance at Bury on Saturday.

The 31-year-old defender was drafted in for his first start of the season at Gigg Lane as a replacement for the suspended Paul Linwood.

Bolland did not put a foot wrong as City kept a clean sheet and collected all three points courtesy of goals from Paul Butler and Mark Hughes.

Bolland said: ‘I’m happy. Obviously you want to be playing every game but I’ve sat and waited. I nearly left on deadline day but I’ve wanted to stay and prove myself.

‘I’m just happy that we’ve won and I’ve gave a good account of myself. That’s all I can do.’

City boss Bobby Williamson was pleased with the way Bolland slotted into the heart of the defence.

He added: ‘Phil’s been patient and worked hard. I know he wasn’t best pleased when he wasn’t selected at the start of the season, but he’s showed the right attitude and the right character. Good luck to him.’