Bolton boss receives double boost

BOLTON manager Sam Allardyce yesterday snapped up Brazilian striker Mario Jardel, and then received a further pre-season boost from another of his foreign stars, when Jay-Jay Okocha announced he will only play in competitive matches for Nigeria.

Subject to his passing a medical, Jardel could make his debut for Wanderers in the opening game of the season against Manchester United at Old Trafford.

And Allardyce will be further encouraged ahead of the new campaign after Okocha, who was under pressure from his club manager to put the Lancashire outfit ahead of his country, said he will no longer play in international friendlies, even though he captains the Super Eagles.