KEVIN Davies doesn't mind becoming a Bolton wide boy if it helps Wanderers into Europe again next season.
Davies was given a new role on the right of Bolton's front three as part of Sam Allardyce's tactical reshuffle.
And he responded with two goals and an assist for Jared Borgetti's second-ever Premiership goal.
"It was refreshing to play out wide and I enjoyed it," said Davies, whose goal in each half took him to eight for the campaign.
"We play a certain style and we played the same today with different personnel."
Davies escaped the axe that fell after the goalless draw at West Brom last Monday.
But top scorers Kevin Nolan and Stelios were among those left out in Allardyce's gamble to keep Bolton on track for a UEFA Cup spot.
"There were a few surprises with the team but the decision paid off for him," agreed Davies.
"That's his job, but he's good at it," grinned the former Blackburn and Southampton front-man.
Greetings
"It will make the players who were left out train a bit harder. I don't think many will be going in there knocking on his door.
"My tally is looking a lot more healthy after those goals. Ten Premiership goals would be nice."
Allardyce's re-shuffle also meant starts for exuberant youngster Ricardo Vaz Te and Mexican hitman Borgetti.
Both scored against an inept Charlton side whose fragility away from home makes for easy pickings.
For Vaz Te, it was his first Premiership goal and the usual Monday morning greetings with team-mate Abdoulaye Faye will be more extravagant than usual.
"Vaz has been going close and has hit the post a couple of times," said Davies.
"He still has a lot to learn and in training we try to settle him down in front of goal.
"Hopefully, we will see a lot more from him. I couldn't get near him to join in the celebrations, he was too fast!
Vaz Te clearly enjoyed his breakthrough moment, heading home a superb cross from Hidetoshi Nakata after 13 minutes.
The jig of delight and dance with Faye that followed was certainly entertaining.
"It's just normal," beamed the Portuguese prospect.
"We do it every morning when we come in for training while others shake hands."
Vaz Te will now hope to keep his place for the remaining games of the season.
He added: "When I saw my name on the team sheet, I was surprised, but really pleased.
"I felt relaxed and hopefully in the next game I will feel the same way and take my chance again."
Selection
In his game of one-upmanship with England managerial rival Alan Curbishley, `Big Sam' won hands down.
Curbishley admitted he "had got it wrong" with his team selection, especially in the first half.
Wanderers clearly capitalised on a lack of height in the visitors' defence in the opening 45 minutes.
Davies' first goal came after Borgetti climbed highest to head an Ivan Campo free-kick against the post.
Thomas Myhre fumbled the rebound and Davies pounced from close range.
His second, two minutes from time, brought another `careless hands' moment from Myhre as he failed to catch Jay Jay Okocha's long throw.
Borgetti's strike saw him latch on to a clever Davies flick, turn England hopeful Chris Perry inside out and smash the ball home from eight yards.
"We haven't scored for four games and then we get four in a match," smiled Allardyce.
"If I've got anything wrong lately it's been in not using the full squad.
"But by changing it round seems to add to the team rather than detract from it."
World Cup hopeful Darren Bent scored Charlton's consolation from the penalty spot after Jussi Jaaskelainen misjudged the ball and punched Jay Bothroyd on the back of the neck.

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Davies on the right and Borgetti in the middle worked in the New Year games when a lot of our players where at the African Nations Cup and it seemed to work again on Saturday. I think we should keep this system for the remainder of the season.