Big Sam Backs Late Nolan Inclusion

Last updated : 03 March 2006 By Matt Bottom

"There could still be an opportunity for Kevin, because there are still a lot of games to be played between now and the World Cup and there is always the chance of an injury or two," he said.

"You wouldn't want to get in on that basis, of course, but I'd say it's highly unlikely that the England squad now will be the one that goes to the World Cup - on injuries alone.

"And, if Kevin continues playing well and scoring goals, he could still get his chance. I think he's as good, if not better, than players who are in the squad ahead of him."

Allardyce can even see the door opening for Kevin Davies, who was unlucky to miss out last summer, when Eriksson opted for Peter Crouch to offer him the option of a distinct new dimension in attack.

"If Kevin Davies went on a scoring spree and got us six or seven goals in the last 13 games, he could break into the squad," he added.

Allardyce also hinted that he had personal reasons for wanting Davies to improve his meagre scoring rate.

"Be selfish," he urged the combative striker who goes to Newcastle tomorrow with just two goals to his name this season.

"Obviously his lack of goals is the one thing that has gone against him. But, if he can get the goals that win us six or seven of our remaining 13 games, he could clinch us a Champions League place.

"He's had a particularly lean year, but he gives us so much more than goals.

"He provides so much of what we need outside the box and we don't want to lose that, but we need to encourage him to get into the right areas a bit more."

Meanwhile, Gary Speed believes Wanderers are destined to be forever perceived as one of the unfashionable clubs of English football.

"I don't think it will ever change," said the veteran midfielder.

"The geography, the set-up of the club . . . we're not a Liverpool, Spurs, Manchester United or Chelsea and never will be.

"But that doesn't mean we can't be successful or that, one day, Bolton Wanderers couldn't win the Premier League. Not at all.

"That said, Kevin Nolan would, maybe, have a better chance of playing for England if he was at another club."