GUDNI Bergsson believes Wanderers will go a long way to securing a place in Europe if they upset Liverpool at Anfield next Saturday.

The former Reebok captain is convinced Sam Allardyce and the Whites have what it takes to hold on to a top six place but says the duel with the Mersey Reds could be the key.

"That game could take us a big step towards our goal," said the 39-year-old Icelander. "I know the lads will be giving it everything they've got, especially our Scouser, Kevin Nolan. If we can get anything from the game, especially three points, we'll be in a good position for the UEFA Cup.

"Even a Champions League spot would not be beyond us. And being a fan and a former player, seeing Bolton in Europe would be just fantastic. Hopefully that is what we are looking forward to next season."

Bergsson, who retired in June 2003 after captaining a second successive Premiership survival mission, played a major role in Wanderers' success story, having joined the club from Spurs in 1995.

He was voted the greatest Wanderers defender of all time at the Legends Night, when he was placed fourth in the top 50 chart, but he says the club has moved to a higher plane since he hung up his boots.

"Never in my wildest dreams when I first came to the club in 1995 did I think we would be in this position and signing players like Youri Djorkaeff, Jay Jay Okocha, Ivan Campo and Fernando Hierro," he said.

"For me, personally, it's been a privilage to have been part of that development.

"It's just great to watch the gaffer 'Big Sam', and Phil Brown and the rest of the lads pushing the club forward, challenging for Europe and possibly a Champions League place. Hopefully we can carry on improving. Who knows where it's going to end?

"I've heard some criticism of us being one-dimensional and too direct at times but we've certainly got the players to play good stuff and no one can argue that we deserve to be in sixth place."