Okacha is named Trotters' new skipper

Bolton’s Nigerian midfielder Jay-Jay Okocha has celebrated his birthday by being named new club captain at the Reebok Stadium.

Okocha, who played a vital role in the successful fight for Premiership survival last term, takes over the armband from the retired Gudni Bergsson.

“It is a great honour. I have enjoyed playing for Bolton and I have a great commitment to this club,” said Okocha, 30 today.

“I hope this will be a new sign on how the club is progressing.”

Manager Sam Allardyce added: “I was impressed with the way he took on the extra responsibility towards the end of last season. On several occasions he was world class.

“He showed great maturity and if he is half as good as Gudni then we have found the perfect leader to take us on to the next level,” he told the club’s website, www.bwfc.co.uk.

Okocha this week announced he will play only in competitive matches for Nigeria after being pressured by Allardyce to make the Lancashire club his priority.