Bolton fans welcome back Lee

Lee Chung-Yong has thanked the Bolton fans on his return after more than 10 months out following a broken leg.

The 23-year-old South Korean midfielder, who won the club’s Player of the Year award in 2010, was an 82nd-minute substitute in Sunday’s 2-2 draw with West Brom.

The cameo was Lee’s first appearance in the Premier League in almost 12 months and he appreciated the support of fans, having being given a hearty welcome upon his introduction.

“The fans were amazing,” Lee told the club’s website.

“They make me feel very happy when I play in the Reebok Stadium. I wish we could have won the game for them.”

Lee also played for Bolton’s reserves in a behind-closed-doors game on Friday before his first-team return.

“My leg feels very better. I have enjoyed being with the first team again. I played in a game on Friday and after it I felt a little bit tired, but it was only a gentle game,” he said.

On his return, where Bolton threw away a two-goal lead, he said: “It was a strange game. We had chances to get more goals in the second half but we didn’t. The goalkeeper made some good saves.”

However, Lee turned his attention to Bolton’s plight, with relegation certain unless they can win at Stoke City on the final day and benefit from a QPR loss at Manchester City.

“I believe we can do it. I think everyone will be more than ready for the final game,” the South Korean said.

“We have one week to prepare. A very important week and we must concentrate. QPR beat Stoke. I feel we are a better team than QPR so I hope we can go and beat Stoke.”