Allardyce praises goal-hungry Rooney

BOLTON manager Sam Allardyce believes Wayne Rooney deserves plaudits for the way he is conducting himself during a barren scoring sequence.

The England and Manchester United striker, 21, heads into the match against Bolton having failed to find the target in 10 games for country and club.

While Allardyce is concerned that Rooney might break his duck tomorrow, he has nothing but praise for the player.

“Wayne is playing through his difficult spell extremely well,” said the Bolton boss.

“He is a young man with great talent and great character. It appears nothing fazes him and that’s what makes him so good.”

Allardyce said the form of the players around Rooney has taken the pressure off him. Louis Saha, Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes have all played key roles in taking United back to the top of the table.

Allardyce said: “There are so many players at Manchester United playing well at the moment. Ruud van Nistelrooy may have left but you see the way Saha is contributing. Giggs and Scholes are still having a major influence on the team.”

Bolton have yet to concede a goal in four home league games and Allardyce added: “We have to cope with what United will throw at us. But we are proud of our defensive record and will try and maintain it.”

Former United star Quinton Fortune looks unlikely to feature tomorrow after breaking down in training with a calf problem.

Skipper Kevin Nolan is suspended while the fitness of Abdoulaye Faye (concussion), Nicolas Anelka (knee) and El-Hadji Diouf (ankle) will continue to be monitored.