Allardyce hails Cesar
Bolton full-back Julio Cesar is set for an extended run in the side in the continued absence of Ricardo Gardner.
Cesar looks likely to face Manchester United at Old Trafford on St Stephen's Day after a fine display in the defeat by Manchester City.
In only his third league appearance for the club, the experienced defender blocked out the threat of England’s Shaun Wright-Phillips.
Manager Sam Allardyce said: “Cesar did the job I asked of him.
“He marked Wright-Phillips very well and overall we limited them to very few chances.”
Allardyce admits, however, that the team have missed Gardner’s qualities at the back since he was sidelined with a knee injury.
“We have not picked up a good result since he went out,” said the Bolton boss.
Allardyce will monitor the fitness of central defender Radhi Jaidi this week after he missed the City clash with a hamstring strain.
Should he fail to make it, Tal Ben Haim looks likely to continue his partnership with Bruno N’Gotty.
Allardyce said: “Tal has a lot of good attributes and is very solid. There is no reason why he can’t force his way into the side on a more regular basis.”
Striker El-Hadji Diouf and defender Nicky Hunt are both available to face United after serving suspensions.
