OWEN Coyle has put the ball in Ricardo Gardner’s court over a new deal at the Reebok.

Wanderers have offered the long-serving Jamaican another year on reduced terms after an injury-hit campaign that saw him make just four first-team starts.

Coyle was impressed by the 32-year-old’s attitude after returning from a loan spell in the Championship with Preston North End, and he featured heavily in the season run-in, playing central midfield.

Now the Whites boss is waiting to hear from the players’ agent to see if he wants to extend his Bolton career into a 14th season.

“We’ve put in an offer to Ricardo’s representatives and we’ll wait to see what happens,” he said.

“He had a difficult season with injury but he came back after the loan spell at Preston North End and showed he wanted to be part of what we’re doing.

“As a football club we have been held back because players have been injured, and that takes up finance that we could use.

“It’s up to him now. If he wants to sign, absolutely brilliant, and if he doesn’t we’ll move on.”

Coyle also revealed that the club had taken up a one-year option on Robbie Blake’s contract.

The experienced front man did not make a Premier League start last season and has not featured for the first team since January, when he also turned down an opportunity to join Norwich City on loan.

Coyle insists that the former Leeds and Burnley man can play a more prominent role in the team next season.

“He’s been brilliant for me with everything I’ve asked."