PLAYER PROFILE

Abdoulaye Diagne-Faye

Position: Defence

Height: 6'3

Weight: 13st 9lbs

Date of Birth: 1978-02-26 Dakar, Senegal

Abdoulaye Diagne-Faye

Bolton Wanderers completed the permanent signing of Lens defender Abdoulaye Diagne-Faye in December 2005 after the Senegal defender's impressed during the first few months of a season long loan.

"Abdoulaye Faye has been one of the finds in the Premiership this season," the Bolton boss told the club's official website.

"He joined us on loan in the summer and with his sheer determination and ability he has forced his way into the team."

"He is arguably our most consistent player of the season so far and loves the physicality of the Premiership."

Faye added: "Sam Allardyce and Bolton Wanderers have given me the opportunity to resurrect my career."

"I had a difficult time in France last season, which resulted in my team (Istres) being relegated from the top-flight. To have the chance to draw a line under the past and start again in England is a chance you don't give up.

"The Premiership is by far the most demanding league in the world and it really suits my style."

"To now earn a permanent contract is a dream come true and for me the challenge is to continue with my progression."

"I'm here for the long haul and it is my ambition to be a player the fans will continue to admire."

Faye joined Lens in 2002, but was not a part of the club's first-team plans, having spent 2004/05 on loan with Istres as they battled unsuccessfully against relegation from Ligue 1.

Faye's second season at Bolton was hugely successful though as he scored twice in 31 starts.

However, at the start of the 2007/08 campaign, he moved on, joining up with newly-departed Bolton boss Sam Allardyce at Newcastle United.

His first season at St James's was a successful one as he proved himself a useful squad player. However, he was deemed surplus to requirements in August 2008 and sold to Stoke.