Jay Jay To Find Form

Last updated : 19 December 2005 By Matt Bottom
Okocha was unhappy after being taken off in the second half against Everton, but Allardyce said the 32-year-old was not meeting his usual high standards.

"Jay-Jay just needs to play better when he gets the opportunity - it's that simple," said Allardyce.

"He's not playing at his best - he wouldn't get taken off if he was." 

"Everyone's under the same scrutiny, no matter who they are," added Allardyce, who also rejected criticism about his side's physical style of play.

"I thought football was built around being physical and strong," he said.

"When people say we are over-physical that just makes us more resilient and makes us stronger mentally.

"If the game doesn't have a physical element, then we have no game."

Meanwhile, rumors of Valencia defender Marco Caneira and Marsielle's Abdoulaye Meite joining the Trotters in January are gathering pace before the transfer window re-opens in the New Year.

The People claim that Sam Allardyce is closing in on a £2million deal for Meite, who will sign a four-and-a-half-year deal worth £20,000-a-week.