Spurs duo’s experience will be vital at Villa – McLeish

Villa are the visitors to Everton today in the first round of fixtures following the international break, with McLeish’s ranks bolstered with the arrival of the experienced duo from Tottenham.

The pair’s signing has compensated for the loss of Jean Makoun and Luke Young in the transfer window, and McLeish said: “They know this league very well. It is not as if we will have to let them have time to adjust. They should be able to hit the ground running when we first call upon them.

“They’ve looked very good in training. Alan had the game with Scotland last week, Jenas has not played much but he has looked very bright in training. We believe in Jenas we’ve got a potential cracking player.”

Bolton were also busy in the final days of the transfer window, bringing in the likes of Dedryck Boyata, Gael Kakuta and David Ngog, and this week manager Owen Coyle received a further boost with Stuart Holden returning to action after a six-month injury lay-off.

Wanderers today welcome champions and early leaders Manchester United, the opposition when Holden picked up a serious knee injury in March.

The 26-year-old’s road to recovery is almost complete, however, with two appearances for the reserves in the past week, although Coyle is delighted he will soon be able to call on his services.

“It’s great to have him back,’’ Coyle said. “I think he has probably been getting a little bit frustrated because he thinks he can click his fingers after being out for six months and get back at the level he was at.

“It takes time to build up that fitness and your decision-making in a game, but it was great to see him running about with a Bolton Wanderers shirt on.”

Javier Hernandez is set to make his first start of the season when champions Manchester United visit Bolton this tea-time.

Hernandez was sidelined after suffering concussion during United’s pre-season tour of North America. However, with Danny Welbeck (hamstring) out, the Mexican is likely to get his chance.

Elsewhere, Stoke play host to Liverpool at the Britannia Stadium, while tomorrow Norwich are at home to West Brom and Blackburn are the visitors to Fulham.