Reluctant fan Nolan on the sidelines

The young midfielder, who played such a key role in helping put Wanderers in such a commanding position in the Carling Cup semi-final, is suspended for the second leg and admits he would rather stay at home.

"I'm a bad watcher," he admits, "but I'll be there. The gaffer's going to make me - just to show me what he goes through every game! I'll be heading and kicking every ball from the sidelines."

Sam Allardyce says Wanderers owe it to Nolan, as well as absent skipper Jay-Jay Okocha, to finish the job they began so impressively on Wednesday night.

The 21-year-old, who has already achieved so much in such a short space of time, admits to having mixed emotions as he sits out a game that will determine whether he gets to play in a major final for the first time in his career.

"It's going to be a big, big day for Bolton Wanderers and especially so for me, given that I have come through the Academy ranks," he said.

"We have done ourselves proud but the final is still a long way away.

"It is only half time so we won't be counting our chickens just yet but I'm sure the lads will do everything they can to get through.

"I feel I've played my part but I've really only played half a game. I've been able to put my feet up and relax because I will only be involved on Tuesday, but I'd much rather be playing."

KEVIN Nolan will be the most reluctant Wanderers "fan" at Villa Park on Tuesday night.

The young midfielder, who played such a key role in helping put Wanderers in such a commanding position in the Carling Cup semi-final, is suspended for the second leg and admits he would rather stay at home.

"I'm a bad watcher," he admits, "but I'll be there. The gaffer's going to make me -- just to show me what he goes through every game! I'll be heading and kicking every ball from the sidelines."

Sam Allardyce says Wanderers owe it to Nolan, as well as absent skipper Jay-Jay Okocha, to finish the job they began so impressively on Wednesday night.

The 21-year-old, who has already achieved so much in such a short space of time, admits to having mixed emotions as he sits out a game that will determine whether he gets to play in a major final for the first time in his career.

"It's going to be a big, big day for Bolton Wanderers and especially so for me, given that I have come through the Academy ranks," he said.

"We have done ourselves proud but the final is still a long way away.

"It is only half-time so we won't be counting our chickens just yet but I'm sure the lads will do everything they can to get through.

"I feel I've played my part but I've really only played half a game. I've been able to put my feet up and relax because I will only be involved on Tuesday, but I'd much rather be playing."