Otsemobor hoping for Anfield future

Last updated : 05 February 2004 By Chris Maxwell
The enterprising rightback fell out of favour with Reds boss Gerard Houllier following a poor performance against Manchester City that brought to an abrupt halt his impressive run in the first team this season.

The Liverpool-born defender quickly won over the Anfield faithful in his five starts for Gerard Houllier's side and he is ready to hone his fast-improving skills with Sam Allardyce's Carling Cup finalists.

Otsemobor said: "As far as I'm concerned Liverpool are still my team, so if I do play I'll have very strange, mixed feelings. It's not like I've left the club. I still want Liverpool to win their games, but at the same time I want to do the best for Bolton while I'm here.

"To be honest, I'll be very surprised if I am playing. I've not spoken to the manager about it yet. Obviously if I do play I've got a job to do and I'll try my best.

"I was all set to play for the reserves against Newcastle when my agent called. He told me Bolton wanted me and there was more chance of me getting a few matches before the end of the season there than at Liverpool.

"It will be great for me to get more Premiership games under my belt, and with Steve Finnan and Jamie Carragher fit again, it was going to be difficult if I stayed.

"I see Bolton as a great chance for me to show what I can do in a great team and in many ways it will help me at Liverpool too. If I can show I can do it regularly at the highest level it will help me at Liverpool next season.

"I don't see this as the end of my time at Liverpool at all, but I'm really looking forward to playing for Bolton. I've already trained with them. Kevin Nolan, who's a Scouser, is one of their best players and has been helping me settle in already."