KEVIN Nolan never tires of talking about his goals and matchwinning appearances at Old Trafford.

But there is something missing from the young midfielder's collection - a victory over Manchester United at the Reebok, something he hopes will be put right on Saturday.

Twice in successive seasons Nolan has contributed to United's downfall on their own patch and knows as well as anyone the importance Bolton fans attach to getting the better of their arch rivals.

But last season's 4-0 home defeat - sweet revenge for Sir Alex Ferguson's Reds - still smarts.

"It's a big thing for Bolton Wanderers to beat United," the England U21 international acknowledged, "There's obviously a great rivalry between the clubs.

"It's always very nice to score but to score against United is always considered better than scoring against other clubs.

"I do get reminded of it a lot and I like talking about it ... but it's time to move on. We were so disappointed to lose here and we want to put that right."

Nolan - a Scouser born and bred - may have to settle for a place on the subs' bench on Saturday after struggling to hold down a regular place. But the prospect of doing even more damage to United's title hopes and boosting Wanderers' survival prospects into the bargain has added a sharp edge to his appetite.

He told Wanderers TV today: "I don't think I've produced the form because I haven't played a lot of games. I've been in for one, out for the next and that's hard. The last time I played three games on the spin was against Aston Villa at home and Manchester United away - both of which we won 1-0 - and Liverpool at home.

"I then got a bit of an injury and ever since it's been stop-start. I feel I could lift my form if I got five or six games when I was playing all the time and possibly get some goals. If I can get the chance on Saturday, I'll hopefully put that right and give it a go against the 'Mancs', as they say!"

He laughs off the suggestion that United fans might not take kindly to the jibe and, on behalf of his fellow Liverpudlians, points out "We get called a lot worse than that!"

In fact, Nolan has always been a big admirer of United, their star players and their achievements and admits Wanderers will have their work cut out if they are to record that elusive "double".

"We've definitely got to be alert," he accepts, "We've conceded so many goals late on . It's been unbelievable how many points we've dropped.

"But that won't be at the back of our minds on Saturday. We have to take our chances because we haven't been doing that much in certain games.

"Hopefully a win against United can turn the season around."

And, no doubt, give young Nolan something more to talk about.