Megson: Players should follow Davies example

30 October 2009 13:40
Bolton manager Gary Megson thinks Kevin Davies is finally getting the recognition his battling performances deserve.[LNB]Davies will almost certainly lead the line for Wanderers again at the Reebok Stadium as they take on Chelsea for the second time in four days after Wednesday night's Carling Cup tie at Stamford Bridge. With Bolton still smarting from their 4-0 defeat in that match, the Barclays Premier League encounter promises to be a combative affair, something which will suit the striker's game down to the ground.[LNB]While some of Chelsea's players have been criticised in recent years for a perceived tendency to go down easily when tackled, Davies has earned increasing acclaim for his doggedness on the pitch. And Megson believes his captain is a shining example of how football should be played in this country.[LNB]"What is definitely happening at our place is that a recognition is now coming of Kevin Davies and his strengths," Megson said. "I don't just mean that he is (physically) strong, I mean as a person. Davo had to have three stitches in the end after the Man United game, but he didn't come off the pitch. The referee made him go and change his shirt and so he could have his eye looked at. The same happened in the game against Everton. He had to go and get two stitches above his eye, but again, he doesn't go down.[LNB]"I think people are now starting to realise that that is what we want more of - those kinds of players, not people who are rolling all over the ground when they get a knock and trying to get their fellow professionals a yellow card or a red card.[LNB]"Davo doesn't do that - he takes it as a slight if somebody does smack him down to the ground, and if he does hit the ground, he gets straight back up and heads off to the box for the free-kick. I think people are now extolling those virtues and thinking we want more of that in the game."

Source: Eurosport