JAY Jay Okocha is ready to force his way back into Sam Allardyce's starting line-up against Liverpool on Saturday after returning from international duty with Nigeria.

The midfielder, who has yet to start a game since limping off the field at half time in the 1-0 victory over Manchester City, displayed his return to full fitness with a superb performance for Nigeria in the World Cup qualifiers.

Okocha led the Super Eagles to a 2-0 victory over Gabon, and now faces a battle for a place in the midfield at Anfield. But fate may have dealt him a good hand in the international break.

With Nicky Hunt doubtful after picking up a knee injury playing for the England Under-21 side, Allardyce may choose to switch Frenchman Vincent Candela to right-back, and bring Ricardo Gardner back to the left hand side - leaving a spot open for Okocha.

Otherwise, he could face a straight fight with another of Wanderers' active internationals - Greek star Stelios - for a place in the side. Either way, the Wanderers man insists he is ready.

"I can't speak for the other players, but I am fit to play," said Okocha.

"I am quite OK, and would naturally give 100 per cent in all my matches, like I have been doing every time I step on the pitch."

Shrugging off the disappointment of missing out on the African Player of the Year Award, Okocha confirmed his willingness to play on for club and country.

He said: "I feel I deserved the CAF Award for 2004, but if I go on and do my best, who knows? I might win it next time.

"Only a few weeks ago I was named as the second best player in Bolton Wanderers history, so I am glad that people still admire what I do."

Another player determined to prove his worth after the international break is Senegalese midfielder Khalilou Fadiga, who scored and captained his country to a thumping 6-1 victory over Liberia.

Suspended striker El Hadj Diouf also grabbed two goals in the game, but it was Fadiga's reaction to press criticism in his home country that provided the main talking point.

Some Senegalese newspapers had called for the midfielder to be dropped from the side, prompting an angry celebration after his goal.

He said: "I removed my shirt because I wanted to prove with the goal that I am still here.

"It is not for them to make decisions for me. It is up to me, and unfortunately, some people did not want to see me today. But I am still here, and I dedicate the goal to them."

Wanderers' Greek international Stelios will be in action on Wednesday night when his side take on Albania in Athens.

And the in-form midfielder dropped a hint in a recent press conference that two of his fellow Euro 2004 stars could well be on their way to the Reebok.

Roma defender Traianos Dellas and Porto full-back Giourkas Seitaridis are said to be summer targets for the Wanderers, along with a host of other Premiership clubs.

Stelios said: "I know that my coach in Bolton has expressed admiration for Giourkas Seitaridis and Traianos Dellas. He asked me what their salaries are and if they would like to play in the Premiership."