Radhi Pays Tribute To Lofty

Last updated : 16 June 2006 By Matt Bottom
The giant Tunisian defender headed an injury-time equaliser in the 2-2 draw with Saudi Arabia on Wednesday.

He became the first Bolton player to score on football's biggest stage since centre-forward Lofthouse netted in a 4-2 quarter-final defeat by Uruguay in Switzerland in 1954.

Lofthouse, 80, was known as the Lion of Vienna after a four-goal performance against Austria in 1952 and is now Bolton's president.

Jaidi, 30, said: "I had no idea that a Bolton player had not scored at the World Cup for so long - that's amazing to know.

"Everyone in Bolton knows Nat Lofthouse. I've heard what a great player he was and know what a nice man he is.

"If he was the first Bolton player to score at the World Cup then thank God I am the second because Tunisia would probably be going out if we had lost to Saudi Arabia.

"I love Bolton and want to present a good image of the club worldwide."

Meanwhile, Manchester City and Bolton Wanderers are chasing Feyenoord defender Evander Sno.

Sno, a centre-half, spent a productive season on loan at NAC Breda but is available for £250,000 after Feyenoord could not guarantee first-team football on his return to Rotterdam.

Manchester City and Bolton Wanderers have expressed an interest in Sno, who had a trial period at Everton's Bellefield training academy last summer.