Okocha's European Aims

Last updated : 06 November 2004 By Mark Heys

Bolton skipper Jay-Jay Okocha says that the players are hoping to repay their manager Sam Allardyce by achieving a UEFA Cup spot at the end of the season.

Okocha is one of many continental signings who have benefitted from the influence of the Wanderers boss, and he says that European qualification is the perfect way to pay his manager back.

"We are looking to pay him back for the faith he's shown in us, It would be a great achievement if he could take a team like Bolton into Europe and that's what we're aiming to do.

The 31-year old feels that the Trotters are in a good position to turn those aims into reality having taken 21 points from the first eleven games which currently sees them occupy one of the top four positions in the Premiership.

"It was a massive challenge when I first came here to think of maybe one day playing in Europe with Bolton. But we've given ourselves an opportunity now because of the start we've had. Now it's up to us to keep it going."