IT says everything about Kevin Nolan's sporting allegiances that he treasures the goal he scored in a 1-1 draw at Liverpool more than the two he scored in successive Premiership triumphs at Old Trafford.

Born and raised on Merseyside, the former England U21 international was on Liverpool's books as a schoolboy and many of his friends and family are dyed-in-the-wool Reds.

But old loyalties will count for nothing next Saturday when he returns to Anfield, determined to take a step nearer realising his European dream.

Nolan is a young man on a mission and would have no qualms about trampling all over his hometown club to get what he wants.

"I wouldn't worry about that for a second," he said with a passion. "I love Bolton now.

"I've wanted to play European football with Bolton Wanderers ever since I joined the club and, hopefully, that is what we'll be celebrating at the end of the season."

Perversely, Nolan is likely to be more fired up for the Liverpool game than for any other. He knows this could be one of the key fixtures in determining who gets what in the scramble for European places and he knows from experience that his emotions will be running high.

The young Academy graduate has achieved much in such a short time and his part in the back-to-back victories over Manchester United in 2001 and 2002 guarantees him a permanent place in the hearts of Bolton fans. But ask him to name the highlight of his career to date and there is not a hint of hesitation: New Year's Day, 2002 - Liverpool 1, Wanderers 1.

In the absence of the injured Gudni Bergsson, Nolan was made captain for the day.

Despite the fact that, at 19, he was the youngest player on the park, he led by example and crowned a mature performance when he beat Jerzy Dudek with a fierce volley 12 minutes from time to cancel out Steven Gerrard's goal and rescue a point.

"I was captain that day and it was probably my proudest moment as a Bolton Wanderers player," he said. "We only drew 1-1 and it would have been better had we won it, but that was still special to me."

Nolan is convinced Wanderers have what it takes to book a place in Europe.

"We have certainly given ourselves a great opportunity to get there this year," he said. "Now we have every incentive for giving everything in these final few games and, if we have a finish as well as last year, then who knows?

"It has always been my dream to play in Europe one day as a Bolton Wanderers player and I honestly believe we can do it.

"It would take the club to the next level and my own career to the next level."