Megson hands Klasnic debut in cup game

Bolton striker Ivan Klasnic was handed his first start since joining on loan last month as manager Gary Megson made just two changes for the visit of Premier League rivals West Ham in the third round of the Carling Cup.

The Croatia international, with two substitute appearances behind him, was preferred to Johan Elmander who was left on the bench as he has still not properly recovered from a calf injury.

Ricardo Gardner’s inclusion was the other change to the team which drew with Stoke at the weekend, with Gretar Steinsson and Tamir Cohen dropping out.

Injuries to Matthew Upson and Valon Behrami contributed to West Ham boss Gianfranco Zola making four changes to the team beaten 3-2 by Liverpool. Striker Carlton Cole was rested to the bench, with midfielder Kieron Dyer returning to the starting line-up for the first time since the opening day of the season.

Bolton: Jaaskelainen, Ricketts, Cahill, Knight, Samuel, Taylor, Muamba, McCann, Gardner, Kevin Davies, Klasnic.

Subs: Al Habsi, Elmander, Steinsson, Mark Davies, Cohen, Lee, Andrew O’Brien.

West Ham: Green, Spector, Kovac, Tomkins, Ilunga, Dyer, Parker, Noble, Da Costa, Diamanti, Hines.

Subs: Kurucz, Cole, Faubert, Nouble, Payne, Edgar, N’Gala.

Referee: Howard Webb (S Yorkshire)