Sam Hints At Okocha Rest

Last updated : 13 February 2004 By Mark Heys
Empics (c)
Bolton Wanderers manager Sam Allardyce has hinted that he may not pitch captain Jay-Jay Okocha back into first team duty straight away following his exploits during the past few weeks in the African Cup of Nations.


Nigerian playmaker Okocha had been one of the stars of this year's tournament and the Bolton boss is wary of the effect that commitments both on and off the pitch will have had on the player during his time away from the Reebok Stadium.

"Jay-Jay will have plenty of rest when he comes back. He is like David Beckham over there, he is like a god and everyone wants to talk to him." the Bolton boss said.





The Nigerian captain faces Mali in the third place play off match today following their elimination to hosts Tunisia during a penalty shoot out in midweek despite being strong favourites to win the competition. Okocha will link up with his Bolton team mates early next week just as the rest of the squad return from Dubai.