KEVIN Nolan has been made Wanderers' new club captain, it was revealed on Saturday lunchtime.

The decision to make the former England under 21 international the new skipper was taken at a meeting at the Euxton training ground between manager Sam Allardyce, Nolan and former captain Jay Jay Okocha.

It was announced on Wanderers' official web site immediately afterwards.

Allardyce said: "After having a very constructive meeting today, I have decided to make Kevin the new captain of the Club. He has coped admirably with the role over the past month during Jay Jay's absence. He has got the right qualities to be a great leader of the team. Kevin is very experienced for someone so young and, above all else, he has the respect of the whole squad."

Allardyce paid tribute to Okocha and stressed he still had an important role to play at the club. The decision was made so the Nigerian international can concentrate on finding the form that made him a Reebok favourite.

Allardyce added: "It is important that I stress that Jay Jay's future is not in jeopardy at this football club.

"He has been a fantastic captain during one of the Club's most successful periods. I have had a mature discussion with Jay Jay about relinquishing his role as captain, so he can concentrate on recapturing the form that made him one of the most prodigious talents in the Premiership.

"Jay Jay is committed to Bolton Wanderers for the rest of this campaign, and with an option on his contract at the end of the season; we will sit down and discuss his future at the earliest opportunity.

"I would like to thank him for being my eyes and ears on the pitch - he played a vital role in the past three seasons, as captain. He will continue to offer his massive experience and expertise to Kevin (Nolan) and the rest of the squad."