The Wanderers manager watched Sturridge score his second goal in two games for Bolton in the 2-1 defeat against Tottenham at White Hart Lane.
But already he has seen enough in the 21-year-old, on-loan from Chelsea, to be convinced that six months at Bolton can do for Sturridge what it did for Arsenal's Jack Wilshere.
Wilshere, named in England's squad for the friendly against Denmark on Wednesday, spent a similar time at the Reebok last season. And the maturity he gained from regular action in the Barclays Premier League has prompted national boss Fabio Capello to admit the side could be built around him.
Coyle said: "Sturridge is going to be a terrific player. We gave him the platform to play and he scored a very good goal. He's one of those players I love working with. He gets hold of the ball and you think something exciting might happen.
"I'm a football lover and I want to see good players out on the pitch. I want to see people entertain and excite and he certainly does that."
Source: PA
Source: PA