MATTY Taylor wants to stay as Bolton penalty taker despite last week's miss at Reading.

And the former Portsmouth midfielder insists he would have no hesitation trying to beat new England keeper David James at the Reebok Stadium.

"It's the first one I've missed in my career," he said. "I've scored eight or nine before. I am still confident enough in my own ability.

"And if I can grab the ball I will take another one. When you put yourself in that position you know you might miss or the keeper might save it.

"But against Reading we won the game 2-0 and that's what really mattered."

Ironically, Taylor scored from the spot against Bolton last August.

Wrench

It remains his only goal of the season.

However, since coming north he's not been on the losing side and has contributed to three consecutive clean sheets.

"I loved Portsmouth. I had some wonderful times there and it was a wrench to leave. But I had to make the decision and I'm glad I did," said Taylor.

"It's nice to feel wanted and Bolton is a fantastic club."

Meanwhile, Wanderers boss Gary Megson has revealed Jermain Defoe could have been lining up for Bolton instead of against them.

The Wanderers manager made "tentative enquiries" before the England striker left White Hart Lane.

"To be honest though there are not many clubs north of Watford Gap who could have got Jermain.

"He is a terrific player with a consistently good goal scoring record.

"And he's one of the players there the club probably could only have dreamed about 10 years ago.

"But the job Harry Redknapp has done has changed Portsmouth beyond all recognition."

Tough

Former City favourite James said: "It's going to be interesting coming up against Matty. And it's going to be a tough game.

"They've had some very decent results lately but it's important for us to try and maintain our performances after the good result we got against Chelsea.

"It's vital that we get something from the game to make up for some of the points we've lost.

"We're confident going into the game as always but it won't be easy."

Pompey were brushed aside by United on their most recent trip to the North West.

But they were 3-1 winners over Wanderers at Fratton Park back in August after Nicolas Anelka fired the visitors' in front.

BOLTON based referee Mark Halsey has been selected to take charge of the Carling Cup final at Wembley between Spurs and Chelsea later this month. Tweet