Megson hails Wanderers skipper

07 February 2009 13:12
Davies, 31, was appointed skipper last week following Kevin Nolan's shock move to Premier League relegation rivals Newcastle.[LNB]He immediately vindicated Megson's decision by scoring twice to secure a vital 3-2 home win over Tottenham.[LNB]Davies' physical approach has at times proved difficult for opposition defenders to cope with, but Megson insists he is the most fouled player in the top flight.[LNB]"Some of the things that I hear about him, I find ridiculous," said Megson.[LNB]"He is the most fouled player in the Premier League, yet I bet there are not too many people who foul him that get booked.[LNB]"What we encourage here is that when players hit the ground, that they get straight up and don't show they are hurt.[LNB]"We don't like all the rolling around and play-acting and the sooner that everybody shows the qualities that Kevin Davies has in that respect, the better."[LNB]Megson takes his side to Everton on Saturday aiming to build on last weekend's win over Spurs, when Davies, who has been at the club for almost six years, again underlined his value to the unfashionable Lancashire club.[LNB]After a big-money move to Blackburn failed, Davies returned to Southampton where he was going nowhere until former Wanderers boss Sam Allardyce stepped in and reminded him he could actually perform.[LNB]That was in the summer of 2003 and Davies has gone to prove a key figure at the Reebok Stadium, with Megson a confirmed admirer.[LNB]"It's not his fault that he is strong, honest and committed," added Megson, who sees defender Gary Cahill as the Trotters' long-term captain.[LNB]"They aren't faults, they are big strengths and people have got to start getting away from the perception of Kevin Davies and look at the reality.[LNB]"He gets kicked from pillar to post, yet he has only been booked three times this season.[LNB]"People need to start waking up to that and in terms of a captain he is everything you could wish for.[LNB]"He gets hold of the ball, he competes and you know you are not going to get an easy time from him - that's what we want from all of our players."[LNB]New recruit Mark Davies was this week handed his first England Under-21 call-up after impressing against Spurs last weekend.[LNB]Davies became Bolton's third and final signing of the January transfer window when he completed a £1million move from Championship leaders Wolves.[LNB]Megson added: "Mark did very well last week and has settled in really quickly.[LNB]"But he's a young player so we'll have to help him along the way.[LNB]"We have a player liaison officer to help him and I think he's already got himself a flat and a new car sorted, so all he's got to do now is concentrate on his football.[LNB]"I'm pleased with everyone but I'm particularly pleased with the 'Davies twins' - big (Kevin) Davies and little (Mark) Davies."[LNB][LNB]

Source: Team_Talk