'Okocha's Never Been In Better Form For Bolton' - Big Sam

Last updated : 14 March 2006 By Matt Bottom
Big Sam reckons the legendary Nigerian is back to his influential best, prospering in a new midfield role and looking every inch the world class performer he recruited in the summer of 2002.

"If he continues like that, he's going to make this club grow, make the team grow and push on until the end of the season," the manager said after Okocha produced one of his most impressive performances in a Bolton shirt in Saturday's 4-1 demolition of West Ham.

"He has never been as good as he is at the moment."

Now Okocha, who was rumoured to be heading for the cash-rich Middle East this summer, has hinted he may stay on if his Reebok bosses offer to exercise the one-year option he has on his current contract.

"I've set at target for myself to stay in there and try and finish on a high because I've missed most of the season," he said.

"I have been trying to get back to my best and trying to do my best for my team."

"It's not my decision (if I stay)," he said. "I try to do my job. I am trying to play my football and I am enjoying my game."

And the 32-year-old believes his decision to quit international football after signing off for Nigeria in the recent African Cup of Nations could extend his career.

"Retiring from the national team has helped, because it has been very stressful for me," he said.

"But I have only my club engagements now to focus on and maybe that is the turning point.

"I enjoy playing football and I will hang in there as long as I can."