Nigel Reo-Coker has backed Wilfred Bouma to come back 'stronger than ever' after his injury nightmare.

Bouma dislocated his right ankle early on against Odense after a seemingly innocuous challenge with Baye Djiby Fall.

But NRC is adamant Bouma's strength of character will pull him through.

He told AVTV Online: "These thinks happen in football. It was a horrific incident and when I saw the injury I was close to tears. I had to move away.

"It is awful when it's one of your own team-mates. He's a great guy and my thoughts go out to him and his family.

"He will get through this because he is a strong character - one of the strongest in the dressing room. He'll come back stronger than ever!"

To hear more from NRC as he discusses Gareth Barry's return to action, subscribe to AVTV Online.