SAM Allardyce has hailed Kevin Davies' vital contribution to Wanderers' success this season.

The Reebok boss is delighted with the striker's form and attitude since winning a contract with Wanderers after being released by Southampton in the summer.

Davies knew he was being given his last chance of staying in the Premiership when Allardyce took him on trial.

An impressive pre-season earned the former Chesterfield and Blackburn Rovers forward a contract, and he has never looked back.

Davies is still only 26 despite seemingly being around for an age. He stormed on to the scene as a 17-year-old with Chesterfield before leaving in a seven-figure transfer to Southampton.

A £7.25 million deal took him to Blackburn where he was a flop and he returned to Southampton in a cut-price move.

His downward spiral continued and Saints boss Gordon Strachan showed him the door in the summer.

Allardyce is famous for taking the unwanted and getting the best out of them and he has worked his magic on Davies.

The Wanderers boss acknowledges the striker could get more goals - he has scored five times in 21 Premiership games - but he could not have asked for more from his general play.

Allardyce does not take all the credit for his player's revival in fortunes which, he says, is as much down to Davies' dedication and ability as to the help Wanderers offer their players.

"It is not unusual for someone with the ability to re-emerge," Allardyce said.

"It is about self-will and determination as much as the support services we give him."

Whatever the reason, Allardyce could not be happier with the contribution Davies is making to the team effort.

He added: "Kevin is playing out of his skin, like a top class centre forward.

"He may be lacking a goal but his overall performance is top drawer.

"He is the start of everything we do. He is the focal point of our play with great ability in the air and on the floor, to hold the ball up and develop chances.

"When he wakes up these days, he will feel as good as he has felt for many a year. If he doesn't, there would be something wrong with him."