ABDOULAYE Faye - the latest player to have his career resurrected at the Reebok - is on the verge of signing for Wanderers on a permanent basis.

The Senegal international, considered surplus to requirements at the French club, Lens, is just days away from converting his loan deal into a full contract.

The 27-year-old defensive midfielder is enjoying a revival after spending last season playing on loan at Istres, who were relegated from the French Championship, and has thanked Wanderers for giving him the stage to showcase his talents.

"Bolton has given me a new lease of life and I'm enjoying every minute of my time in England,"he said.

"I needed a new challenge in my career and, when I heard that an English club was interested in taking me, I jumped at the chance.

"I heard so many good things about Bolton Wanderers, mainly from El-Hadji (Diouf) and Khali (Fadiga) from spending time with them in the Senegal national squad and I'm now seeing first hand why they talked to fondly about the club."

Faye joins an illustrious list of players, including Bruno N'Gotty, Youri Djorkaeff, Ivan Campo and Kevin Davies, who have been grateful to Sam Allardyce for getting their careers back on track.

Praising the Wanderers' boss today, he said: "The spirit at Bolton is the best I've encountered in my professional career. Everyone wants to help you and the club's ambitions are very high.

"Sam Allardyce is a great motivator of men. He understands what makes you tick and, as a player, you need that reassurance from the top."