KEVIN Nolan wants Bolton fans to roll out the welcome mat for Sam Allardyce at the Reebok Stadium.

The former Trotters boss returns with his Newcastle side having decided to leave in the summer, but Nolan insists there are no hard feelings.

“It’s going to be strange but I’ve got used to knowing who my gaffer is,” said Nolan.

“I’m looking forward to seeing Sam and giving him a big welcome. And I hope the Bolton fans can do that, too.

“I can’t thank him enough for what he’s done for me or my career. It’s going to be tough seeing him in the Newcastle dug-out. But life goes on.

“I just can’t wait to get on with the game so we can move away from this Big Sam, Little Sam thing.”

Heidar Helguson is in line to make his Bolton debut after recovering from a knock sustained in the victory against Colchester in a friendly.

Helguson could team up in attack with Nicolas Anelka following his £1million move.

New signings Daniel Braaten and Christian Wilhelmsson are unlikely to figure as they build up their fitness while Ricardo Gardner and Stelios Giannakopoulos are both injured.

Allardyce will be without six big-name stars as their injury curse continues.

Shay Given’s recent groin injury ensured the Magpies goalkeeper will join Michael Owen (thigh), Damien Duff (ankle), Joey Barton (metatarsal), Emre (ankle) and Celestine Babayaro (groin) on the sidelines.

Kieron Dyer is set to figure in the squad following the collapse of his projected move to West Ham. Alan Smith and Mark Viduka will make their debuts but Claudio Capaca and Jose Enrique are less likely to figure.

Bolton Wanderers (from): Jaaskelainen, Hunt, Meite, Faye, Michalik, Cid, Samuel, Alonso, Guthrie, Campo, McCann, Speed, Nolan, Diouf, Davies, Anelka, Helguson, Vaz Te, Al Habsi.

Newcastle United (from): Harper, Carr, N’Zogbia, Rozehnal, Taylor, Solano, Milner, Geremi, Butt, Dyer, Smith, Viduka, Martins, Ameobi, Luque, Ramage, Edgar, Huntingdon, Pattison, Cacapa, Enrique.

Last season: Bolton 2 Newcastle 1

Key opponent: Mark Viduka - Big Aussie striker is bound to cause problems

Prediction: Bolton 1 Newcastle 1 - The first game of the season is always difficult to call but with Allardyce's knowledge of Bolton a point each could be on the cards

You can get 10/1 on Bolton winning 2-0 with Betfred. For this and more odds, click here.

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