LES Ferdinand will have to settle life on the subs' bench for the time being as Sam Allardyce attempts to get the best out of one of his most prized assets.

The veteran striker has made big impacts in his last two league appearances - scoring his 149th Premiership goal in the draw with Manchester United and claiming a vital assist for the late equaliser at Arsenal - and made his first start in the Carling Cup win at Yeovil.

Now he is pushing for a place in the starting line-up but Allardyce will not allow his heart to rule his head. A past master at getting the best out of players in the twilight of their careers, the Wanderers boss sees Ferdinand's biggest contributions coming in short, sharp bursts, giving the attack a new dimension with his experience and physical presence.

"If he was 30, Les could maybe make the starting line-up," Allardyce said, "but at 37 and with a bad knee we've got to handle him carefully.

"He doesn't believe that because he's like a 24-year-old and thinks he should play every game, but he plays a major role for us in terms of having another option."

But the manager has no intention of letting Kevin Davies grow complacent as he continues to be preferred as first-choice spearhead striker and has left the door open for Ferdinand.

"Kevin is doing fantastically well but is under slight pressure because he knows Les can come on and do equally as good a job," he added. "Sometimes it might be a better job and, from a team point of view, we're happy about that."