KEVIN Nolan is itching to throw his weight behind Bolton's battle against relegation.

The Wanderers' skipper missed the solitary goal defeats by Arsenal and United through suspension.

But Nolan, who has now missed three games due to bans, is available for next Wednesday's trip to Blackburn Rovers.

And the Liverpool-born midfielder wants a big performance in front of his former boss and mentor, Sam Allardyce.

Big Sam repeatedly tipped Nolan for full England honours and the player would love to consistently show that high standard of performance.

Challenges

"I was very frustrated at not being involved in those two games," said Nolan.

"But I'll be ready for the Blackburn match and we will all be determined to get back to winning ways.

"Although we lost to Arsenal and United to late goals, I think we played very well and certainly deserved at least a point in each of them."

Bolton are just two points of bottom spot, but Nolan said: "If we play as well in the remainder of our fixtures I am sure we'll start to pick up plenty of points that will see us move up the table.

"All the lads in the dressing room are up for the challenges ahead. We are all confident that we'll soon get the rewards our performances deserve."

With Gavin McCann sidelined by a foot injury, Nolan can expect to replace youngster, Chris Basham against Rovers.

And there could be a lengthier role for French recruit Sebastien Puygrenier.

The former Zenit St Petersburg centre-half was used as a late substitute against the Reds in a failed bid to hold on to a badly needed point.

Manager Gary Megson said: "Seb has played against a lot of the big clubs, he's got a good bit of pace and he knows the game.

Difficult

"We are looking forward to seeing whether he can defend in the most difficult league in the world. His attitude is fantastic and everybody has been really impressed with him since he has been here."

However, Danny Shittu has probably been less impressed than most. Puygrenier's arrival has pushed him further down the pecking order now Gary Cahill is fit after a hip problem.

The ex-Watford and QPR centre-half has been linked with a move to Sunderland.

Puygrenier, meanwhile, is delighted to get his chance in the Premier League.

"When I heard that Bolton Wanderers were interested in me, I immediately got on a flight with my agent to do the deal straight away," he said.

"This is a big opportunity and I want to take it with both hands. I want to prove that I can play in England and hopefully I will be able to stay longer than until the end of the season.

"Bolton are a good English club and they have a good tradition with French footballers.

"The Reebok Stadium looks like a great place to play football and there seems to be a good ambience between the players and the staff.

"French and Russian football is different to that in England, but I believe that my background with the two different styles will help me adapt over here."

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