NOLAN IS OUR TALISMAN - MEGSON

Nolan - leading Bolton fight.

Bolton boss Gary Megson has hailed the influence of captain Kevin Nolan in the club's battle against relegation.

Nolan was absent through suspension as Bolton were pushed closer to the Premier League trapdoor by demoralising defeats to Arsenal and Aston Villa.

Wanderers threw away a two-goal lead to lose 3-2 to the 10-man Gunners on March 29 and were then thrashed 4-0 at Villa on their next outing.

That left Megson's side in deep trouble but since Nolan's return the Trotters have pulled themselves out of the bottom three with battling wins over West Ham and Middlesbrough and a draw at Tottenham.

Megson said: "He has a big influence in the dressing room, on the pitch and as a person, as a captain and leader. He does very well from that point of view.

"We could do with him scoring again, like he was doing, but I think a lot of clubs have that talisman, not in terms of good fortune, but when they are about the place your results tend to be a bit better."

Another key player set to return from suspension for the crunch clash with Sunderland at the Reebok Stadium is combative striker Kevin Davies.

The former Blackburn and Southampton forward netted the winner on his last appearance against West Ham but also incurred his 10th booking of the campaign.

He then left the field in agony after breaking his hand but the injury will not prevent his return.

Megson is pleased to have him back in his line-up, although he has been impressed with the efforts of others in his absence.

Megson said: "Kevin is an important member of the squad and, more so, the team.

"But a lot was made of the fact Kevin was suspended from the two games, and had broken his hand anyway.

"He played ever so well in his last game but in the period where the pundits would tell you we were going to really struggle because Kevin was not there, we took four points away from home, which we hadn't done all season.

"So a lot of people have rolled their sleeves up and taken over the mantle from Kevin, but it will be nice to have him back."

Bolton go into the weekend's programme just one point above the relegation zone but could be back in it come kick-off.

Two of their relegation rivals in Fulham and Birmingham clash while the other, Reading, face Tottenham in games to be played before Bolton's 5.15pm kick-off.

Midfield pair Joey O'Brien and Ivan Campo are doubtful for the match with hamstring and calf injuries respectively.