Dougie Freedman 'couldn't guarantee games' for Jacob Butterfield

Dougie Freedman has said that he did not look to extend Jacob Butterfield's loan spell with Bolton Wanderers as he would not be guaranteed regular games for the club.

The 22-year-old had been on loan from Norwich City at the Reebok Stadium since November, but has joined Freedman's former club, Crystal Palace, this week.

The Bolton manager told Sky Sports News: "At the end of the day Jacob wanted to play matches and I just felt that I couldn't guarantee him games.

"He's got a call from Crystal Palace and he told me, he called me on the phone and he asked me. He was promised more games and I can't really run my team that way. I don't promise my players games.

"I promise my players that if they train hard and they commit to the team then they can play. Hence the reason Jacob left."

Butterfield could make his debut at Selhurst Park against Bolton in the Championship tomorrow.