NEW Bolton manager Gary Megson has admitted that he is not the fans' "number one choice" but has called for renewed backing from the club's supporters to help in the battle against relegation.

Megson was a surprise choice to take over from Sammy Lee having been in charge of Coca-Cola Championship side Leicester only a matter of weeks, but he insists he will get the results which will win over the fans.

He said: "All I can do is get together with the players and get some results to change that (fan reaction).

"You don't turn up everywhere and get the red carpet laid out for you.

"In terms of the supporters, they are the bedrock of the football club. We need them onside.

"I'll give it everything to get things back on track but I have to accept that maybe I am not their number one choice."

Megson will turn to the club’s coaching staff for help in picking the team to face Aston Villa on Sunday.

Megson, though, indicated that one or two players may be rested following the 1-1 draw against Braga in the UEFA Cup.

He said: “It will not be a decision based on what I feel. That would not be the right thing.

“I will be sitting down with the coaching staff to see what we need to do. They have more experience of the players than me.”

Christian Wilhelmsson, Jlloyd Samuel and Ricardo Vaz Te remain sidelined with long-term injuries.

Aston Villa midfielder Nigel Reo-Coker and goalkeeper Scott Carson are suspended.

Reo-Coker and Carson both have to serve one-match bans following their sending-off in the 4-1 home mauling by Manchester United last weekend.

Stuart Taylor, who saved a Wayne Rooney penalty after replacing Carson, and last season’s number one Thomas Sorensen are vying for a recall against the Trotters.

Stiliyan Petrov and Isaiah Osbourne are in contention to partner skipper Gareth Barry in central midfield in the absence of Reo-Coker.

Bolton Wanderers (from): Jaaskelainen, Walker, Al Habsi, J O’Brien, Hunt, Meite, Michalik, A O’Brien, Cid, Gardner, Campo, Teymourian, Nolan, Speed, McCann, Giannakopoulos, Braaten, Guthrie, Diouf, Anelka, Davies.

Aston Villa (from): Taylor, Sorensen, Mellberg, Laursen, Knight, Davies, Bouma, Gardner, Barry, Petrov, Osbourne, Young, Agbonlahor, Moore, Carew, Harewood, Berger, Maloney, O’Halloran.

Last season: Bolton 2 Aston Villa 2

Key opponent: Gabriel Agbonlahor - Jet-heeled winger is always a threat

Prediction: Bolton 1 Aston Villa 1 - It should be a close game and Bolton will be looking to put on a show for their new boss

Agree with the prediction? Have your say.

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