Stelios Will Show His Worth Says Big Sam

Last updated : 16 September 2003 By Mark Heys
Bolton Wanderers manager Sam Allardyce has backed Stelios Giannakopoulos to show what he is capable of the more the season goes on and he claims that the club have got a bargain in recruiting the former Olympiakos player who he describes as one of the top players in Greece.

Stelios put in a man of the match display in Saturday's win over Middlesbrough in only his second full start for the club and the Bolton manager Allardyce has backed the 29-year old to improve on that display.

"Not too many people realise this lad is one of the top three players in Greece," the Wanderers' boss said.

"He's won seven championships on the trot and, because Greek football isn't publicised that much in this country, we've managed to pinch him.

"As time goes on he'll not only show his qualities on the ball, he'll also show his bravery. He was brave both from an attacking point of view and from a physical point of view. Even though he's only a small lad he can handle the strength and the pace of the Premiership."