Sam Backs Nolan For England Claims

By Mark Heys
November 7 2005

Bolton manager Sam Allardyce has backed claims which suggest that his in-form midfielder Kevin Nolan should receive a call up to the England national squad.

Nolan has proved to be the Wanderers matchwinner for three out of the last four games and his top class performances have ensured that the Trotters maintain their place in and around the top six.

Allardyce believes that the 23-year old Nolan will get recognised by selectors sooner rather than later if he continues to perform to the same standard shown in recent weeks.

"Kevin's been exceptionally good this year, He has shown a level of improvement year in, year out. He has just turned 23 now and is an established goalscoring midfielder in The Premiership.

"I don't know about England. I am not sure where they would play him if they are continuing with a 4-4-2 formation. Certainly if he continues playing like he is and scoring goals he has to come into consideration at some stage or another."

Nolan is currently Bolton's top goalscorer having hit five goals in all competitions this term.