SAM Allardyce has urged his happy Wanderers to prove that they are not a one-man-band.

Skipper and playmaker Jay-Jay Okocha leaves for the African Nations Cup later this month and, although he will be sorely missed, the manager says his departure opens the door for others to assume the role.

He has put Ibrahim Ba on standby after verbally agreeing a new deal with the former AC Milan midfielder, insisting: "There is a big challenge for the rest of the players to show everyone it is not all about Jay-Jay.

"We are more than that. He is a massive cog in our system but there are players who are capable of showing he won't be missed.

"Ibrahim Ba is one. He should be coming into his own and looking to replace Jay-Jay.

"He should be telling me: 'Why are you worried? I have played in a World Cup. I'm a good player and will fill Jay-Jay's spot. It won't harm us.' I hope that is the case."

Ba, who is confident he can secure his Reebok future, said: "The way I play and the way Jay-Jay plays are different. I think we can play together.

"He is going to be away for some weeks but we have a lot of players here. Let's hope we can play together and win the games while he is away."