SUPER Serb Sasa Curcic is backing England in the world soccer stakes.

Curcic, dubbed a "Serbian George Best" by Bradford boss Chris Kamara after his two-goal display in the FA Cup, played another key role as Wanderers grabbed a Premiership lifeline with Saturday's 1-0 win over Wimbledon.

And the 23-year-old midfielder has become a firm favourite with Burnden fans since his £1.5 million move from Partisan Belgrade in October.

Even though Wanderers remain anchored to the bottom, five points adrift of Queens Park Rangers, he is settled and content and insists "I'm playing in the best league in the world!"

Curcic, whose Valley Parade display won him the 'Performance of the Round' award from FA Cup sponsors Littlewoods, said: "I knew before I came to England that it was the best league in the world and I still believe that.

"It is very different from any other league but the game in England suits my style of play and I think I've settled down very quickly.

"I used to watch English football on television back in Belgrade. I always thought I would like to play in England one day and now I'm here it's a dream come true. I love playing here.

"I have really enjoyed playing for Bolton even though it has been difficult for us to win."

Curcic could be joined by another 'import' on Saturday when Wanderers go into their David v Goliath clash at Newcastle. Italian trialist Enzo Gambaro gets a run-out in the Reserves at West Brom tomorrow after which Colin Todd will decide whether to pitch him straight in against the Premiership leaders.

The Burnden boss faces a dilemma, though. He needs to see the £2 million-rated left back from Milan in as many games as possible before deciding whether to pursue a permanent deal but could be reluctant to further disturb a defence that has kept successive clean sheets.

Another factor will be the improved form of Jimmy Phillips - ever-present this season in the No 3 shirt and praised by Todd for his performance against Wimbledon.

Gambaro, a 28-year-old defender with a wealth of Serie A experience, is likely to be watched tomorrow by a host of interested British clubs, who have been alerted to his availability on a "free" transfer. Todd has refused to confirm that he has already agreed a two-year contract with the Italian but said: "We have first option on him, whatever he decides to do."

Alan Thompson is unlikely to make a 'dream' return at St James's Park. The Geordie winger, who has just returned to full training after a double hernia operation early in December, is not sure of a place in the Pontins League line-up.

The funeral of former Wanderers winger Bobby Langton will take place at Burscough Methodist Chapel on Friday at 2.45. The England international died on Saturday, aged 77.

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