Sam hopes for Jardel impact

Last updated : 20 August 2003 By Mark Heys
Bolton Wanderers manager Sam Allardyce is confident that recent signing Mario Jardel will the get the goals needed to take the Trotters up the league table.

The 29-year old Brazilian, who was signed from Sporting Lisbon last week has been praised by Allardyce for his acheivements in front of goal and the Wanderers manager admits he is more than happy to have the former Golden Boot winner in his squad.

"A proven goalscorer has always been high on the agenda. The beauty about Jardel is that it is not very often you find someone of his size and stature who scores as many goals as he does" said Big Sam.

"The gamble is can he score in the Premiership after doing it at the highest level in Portugal and Turkey?".

Allardyce also admitted that the club would need to work on getting the former FC Porto and Galatasary player back to full fitness before giving him the chance to have a regular place in the Bolton team.

"He is well out of condition so we will have to be spending a good time on that. Then we can cut the reins and let him go."

"All he talks about is, 'you provide the service, I will score the goals'. I am very hopeful that will happen."

Jardel is expected to be named amongst the substitutes for this weekend's local derby at home to Blackburn Rovers at the Reebok Stadium.