BOLTON claim they have put their fans first by turning down "two substantial offers" to broadcast their home clash with Sporting Lisbon.

Wanderers hope to exceeed the 26,163 gate which saw the controversial win over Atletico Madrid in the last round when Sporting Lisbon visit the Reebok Stadium in the last 16 tie tomorrow night.

Chairman Phil Gartside said: "On what will be another memorable night in the club's history, we want to make our fans the priority.

"We therefore needed to ensure that the match would kick off at a convenient time for the majority of supporters. We had one offer which would have required us to kick off at 7pm. This would have left many people struggling to arrive on time after work.

"Another broadcaster requested a kick off time of 8:45pm, which would have been too late for the many younger supporters we have attracted to the game."

Bolton are hoping that Kevin Davies can improve his goalscoring tally in the first leg clash.

Davies is the first to admit he has not scored enough goals this season.

The former Chesterfield, Blackburn and Southampton striker has netted just three times this term.

"I'm happy to take criticism for the number of goals I've scored," said Davies.

"Hopefully, the one at Blackburn recently will be the first of many.

"It would be great to get on a run. But it would be good if other players start chipping in as well.

"It doesn't matter where they come from - central defenders, midfield men or strikers - or how they go in.

"The simple fact is we need to start scoring goals."

Even in their successful European campaign Bolton have scored more than once in just one of their eight ties - against Bayern Munich in the Allianz Arena.

The UEFA Cup has provided most of this season's highlights for Bolton fans with the notable exception of the Premier League victory over Manchester United at the Reebok Stadium.

But Davies doesn't feel the competition is a distraction.

"We worked really hard to qualify for the UEFA Cup and we want to be involved in the competition,'' he said.

"I suppose it is bound to have some effect physically. But I am also sure the stats will show that we worked just as hard in the last game as ever.

"We have never lost sight of what's important and the league has been our priority.

"But knocking out a team like Atletico is good for the confidence of the whole squad."

Bolton are confident of achieving their best crowd of the season for Sporting's visit.

With only a limited number of tickets remaining for the game, officials are urging supporters to buy tickets in advance.

Fans attending the game will also be able to show their support with a free scarf.

The club has a limited number of scarves available, which will be given away on a first come first served basis before the game.

Adult season ticket holders will pay only £5 for their seat, while concessions - upporters aged 21 and under or aged 65 and over - pay just £4.

Children under 16, accompanied by a full paying adult, will only need to pay £1.



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