United win was no fluke - Megson

Bolton boss Gary Megson attempted to play down the significance of his side’s Barclays Premier League win over Manchester United ahead of the renewal of their UEFA Cup campaign tonight.

Megson’s men romped out of the relegation zone thanks to Nicolas Anelka’s first-half strike against United and confidence could hardly be higher heading into their Reebok Stadium clash with Greek side Aris Salonika.

However, Megson is adamant self-belief has never been a problem for his players and insists the victory over Alex Ferguson’s men was merely the culmination of all their recent good work.

Megson said: “The Manchester United result was great but you could have brought a camera up here a month ago and seen exactly the same.

“Never once did I think we had a problem with the spirit or the working environment.

“I’ve felt that from day one and arguably you could make a case for every game since I’ve been here that we could and should have won.”

It is quite some turnaround for a manager whose appointment was heavily criticised by some home fans but who has since also managed to pull off a fantastic 2-2 UEFA Cup draw at Bayern Munich.

He added: “I’ve never purposefully set out to gain personality. I don’t bother about how I look or what I say. It’s about getting results and the supporters react to how the team plays.”

Megson has no new injury concerns but is set to make changes for tonight’s clash with Stelios Giannakopoulos likely to get his first significant start of the season against his countrymen.

It has been a frustrating season for the player who has made just three substitute appearances in the Barclays Premier League and been linked with moves to other clubs.

Stelios said: “If you ask any player in the world if they are happy when they are not playing they will say no. But it is up to me to turn it around. I am settled here and I have no problems.”