Big Sam Denies Bribe

Last updated : 29 November 2005 By Matt Bottom
Bolton Wanderers boss Sam Allardyce has rubbished claims they offered cash to Jay-Jay Okocha not to play in next year's African Nations Cup.

"No, we haven't," he said. "We have to get on with as best we can.

"Right up to the moment they go away we want to try to keep in the top six of the Premiership, qualify for the last 32 of the UEFA Cup, which will be decided on December 14 when we play Seville, and we play Leicester on Wednesday in the Carling Cup.

"By the time they go to the African Nations Cup we will have played that fifth round game and if we have won it we will be in the semi-final.

"So we would be in four major competitions by the time the African Nations Cup comes along and we will have to do our best with the difficulties that come along."