MATT Jansen has revealed that it was Sam Allardyce's reputation for resurrecting the careers of fallen stars that convinced him to reject other Premiership offers to sign for Bolton Wanderers.

The former Blackburn striker, valued at £10 million when he was on the threshold of the England World Cup squad four years ago, made an emotional return to Ewood Park on Saturday - against the team he reluctantly left behind just three days earlier.

Jansen, who made just 13 Premiership starts for Rovers in three and a half traumatic years after suffering serious injuries in a motor cycle accident, received a standing ovation from both sets of fans as he went on a one-man lap of honour after making his Wanderers debut as a late substitute in the scoreless draw.

He admitted it was strange playing against Rovers, having spent almost seven years as an Ewood Park favourite, but said he was now looking to rediscover his form with Wanderers.

"I spoke to Manchester City and numerous other clubs, but Sam has a habit of getting the best out of players who have lost their way, and I've been a couple of years out in the wilderness. My career's been stop-start since the accident but, hopefully, Sam will get the best out of me.

"Sam impressed me a great deal and I know a few of the lads here at Bolton. They are doing very well, which is great.

"I didn't want to be involved in a relegation battle and now I'm looking forward to the challenge."

Jansen, the 26-year-old who cost Rovers £4.1m when he signed from Crystal Palace in 1999, admitted to having mixed feelings on his debut.

"Talk about nerves before the game," he said. "But I got through it, thankfully. I only trained one day and didn't know any set pieces, any offensive plays, any systems or anything.

"I was a bit worried because I knew the (Blackburn) fans had been fantastic with me, but moving to Bolton and then the very next day playing against the old team . . . I didn't mean it to work out that way.

"But they were brilliant. I've loved playing for them. I had seven very happy years there and didn't want to go. But I needed to move on to rediscover my form."

Sent on as a 78th-minute substitute for Khalilou Fadiga, Jansen had no chance to show the finishing form that made him one of the most respected strikers in England, but made a good first impression on his new Wanderers' fans with his tenacity.

"It's was a very difficult game for us," he added. "It was backs to the wall after we got the sending off early on. But we did exceptionally well to hold out and it was a great result under the circumstances."