Bolton midfielder Ricardo Gardner may have a future at the Reebok Stadium even though he has been ruled out for the rest of the season.

Gardner, 33, is out of contract in the summer and recently underwent surgery to resolve a knee cartilage problem.

The midfielder could have put off the operation but the player and club felt it was in his best interests to undergo surgery now so he can be fit for the start of next season.

Wanderers boss Owen Coyle told The Bolton News: "The doctor and the medical staff don't think he'll be able to play again before the end of the season.

"Those are his circumstances, so that's what we had to do.

"He has a knee injury and it is a real shame for him. But the thing about it is that he'll be able to come back and have a career.

"The decision was made - and Ricardo had a big part in that. We could have patched it up and he could probably have got away with a month here or there, but then he would be back to square one.

"It was important for him to get it done properly and make sure he still had a footballing career."

And if Gardner proves his fitness this summer, he could earn another deal with the Trotters.