Bolton Wanderers manager Sam Allardyce has admitted that Kevin Nolan could take the captains armband for good eventually.
"That looks inevitable and he wants to keep it," said the Bolton boss.
"For the moment he's got it because he has threatened me with two black eyes if I take it off him.
"The armband is a privilege to have and he acknowledges that as does Jay-Jay.
"We will talk about that internally once Jay-Jay is fully fit and then see where we go."
Club captain Okocha also spoke highly of his team mate: "He has been our best player so far. He has been so consistent, " said the Nigeria star.
"Over the years since I have been here, he has improved. To see the way he is playing now, he deserves every credit.
"Kevin is really working hard and it is a matter of when (he plays for England).
"He has got every quality and scores goals which is what you need as an international player.
"Hopefully in the near future he might have his chance. We have to keep encouraging and supporting him."