KEVIN Blackwell has revealed how Bolton Wanderers’ American midfielder Stuart Holden helped secure his younger brother Euan a trial at Gigg Lane.

The Shakers boss admitted Stuart’s reputation opened the door for his 25-year-old sibling at Bury, but says the defender’s enthusiasm convinced him to take a closer look.

“Of course, we already knew about Stuart,” said Blackwell, who tried to sign the United States international for Sheffield United before Owen Coyle took him to the Reebok.

“The Holden boys are very professional – that’s one of the things that’s always struck me about the two boys.

“So my view of Euan was, if someone wants it badly enough, and he clearly does, then I had to give him a chance.”

Blackwell signed the former Stockport County defender on non-contract terms this week, which, he explained, will allow him to properly assess the youngster.

“Signing Euan on non-contract terms means we can play him in more than two reserve games, so we can test him out to see what his best position is and where he might be able to play for us,” said Blackwell “I know he is really enjoying it here. He finds training very intense and that’s something he enjoys.

“Signing him up on non-contract terms gives us both a chance to look at each other and see if we are a good fit.”

Holden, who can play anywhere along the backline and also has an eye for goal – check out the YouTube clip of the goal he scored for Stockport against Kettering – is likely to be offered a place on the bench for tomorrow’s trip to promotion chasers Brentford.

Winger David Worrall remains a major doubt with a thigh strain, while Trevor Carson’s hand injury, which forced the Northern Ireland goalkeeper to pull out of the midweek international, will be assessed before the match.