Stelios return to boost Bolton
Bolton boss Sam Allardyce is boosted by the return of Stelios Giannakopoulos for tomorrow’s Barclays Premiership clash with Middlesbrough at the Reebok Stadium.
The Greece midfielder missed the late win over Watford with a groin problem and his return will give Allardyce options and ease his long injury list.
Allardyce said: “Obviously the injury situation is a big worry and has been for a period of weeks even before the season started. With so many still out, the return of Stelios is welcome.”
Meanwhile, Allardyce has called on captain Kevin Nolan to rise to Steve McClaren’s challenge and force his way into the England team for the first time.
McClaren this week named Nolan among a number of uncapped Premiership players he is watching with a view to calling up for next month’s resumption of the Euro 2008 qualifying campaign.
And Allardyce believes such a statement can only send confidence rocketing in Nolan – whom he has long championed for an international cap to no avail.
Allardyce said: “Kevin is going to get a great lift and I hope he can continue his progress here because only top performances are going to get him in that England side.
“He needs to perform week-in, week-out and keep scoring goals then one hopes somewhere down the line he will get that call, which would be a fantastic honour both for himself and the club.
“Steve came to our match against Tottenham and saw Kevin and the rest of the team play very well so we know how close Kevin is to getting that call at last.”
