Diouf's a miss for Bolton

Diouf: 'Absolute nutcase'

Bolton boss Gary Megson admits that maverick forward El Hadji Diouf is a big miss at the Reebok Stadium.

Diouf ended a four-year stay with Bolton at the end of last season to join Sunderland and could face his former club on Saturday if he can force his way back into Roy Keane's plans at the Stadium of Light.

"I'm sure I speak for a lot of people when I say we miss Dioufy," said Megson.

"He always had a smile on his face and was a great lad around the place - an absolute nutcase. But he's not vindictive or nasty at all."

Struggling

Diouf made it clear that he wanted to leave the Reebok while Bolton were struggling against the drop but still played a big part in their survival as they finished last season with an incredible run.

Megson added: "Yes, he made the statement that he wanted to leave.

"He made it with about seven or eight games to go and that had an impact on everybody else that was here.

"Once a player says he want to go and does a lap of honour around the Reebok Stadium it's obvious he's going to go.

"But nobody came in for him until Sunderland got in touch. He's a talented lad and I'm sure our supporters will give him the applause that he deserves."