Taylor - we must keep Klasnic

Trevor Baxter

April 22, 2010

Matt Taylor has told Bolton boss Owen Coyle to do everything he can to keep Ivan Klasnic at the Reebok.

The Croatian marksman's languid style has split opinion about him but Taylor insists he is a lethal striker.

Klasnic's loan spell from French club Nantes expires at the end of the season.

If Wanderers wants to make the deal permanent then they must pay L2.7m.

"Ivan gives you a goal threat when he comes on," says Taylor. "He gets in places in front of goal and puts people under pressure.

"For me, he is the best finisher I have ever seen in the game and played with.

"Sometimes you have to give him a kick up the backside, but I would like to see him back here next season. But I am not in charge of finances.

"Ivan has got unbelievable ability and some of the things he does with a ball are amazing.

"You saw when he came on against Stoke, he was in the right place at the right time in front of goal."

Klasnic, 30, hasn't scored since finding the target against Hull on December 29 due to injury and a lack of appearances.

However, he's a fans' favourite and one of four players vying to finish as leading scorer.

Kevin Davies, last season's leading finisher, says of his six-goal strike partner: "I'd definitely like to see him stay. He has abilities on the pitch but he is also great to have around the dressing room.

"It remains to be seen whether the club and Ivan can sort something out.

"Whether the manager wants to keep him is a private decision to make at the end of the season.

"But as a player, he is a really good character and on the pitch he is a goal threat as well."

Coyle will have money to spend in the summer but won't have a massive budget unless Wanderers cash in on L15m- rated Gary Cahill. There must be a temptation to cut their losses and allow record signing Johan Elmander to revive his career elsewhere.

A new or additional striker is a priority. Since Coyle took charge, Bolton have failed to score in 12 of their 17 league games.