Bolton Wanderers FC

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• Manager:Owen Coyle

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Elmander earns boss' praise

30 Nov 2008 - 11:34:27

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Bolton Wanderers boss Gary Megson believes Johan Elmander has silenced his critics after claiming a brace in the 4-1 victory at Sunderland.

The club's record signing ended his eight-game barren spell in last weekend's 3-1 win at Middlesbrough and repaid another slice of his £11million transfer fee with goals after 39 and 55 minutes at the Stadium of Light.

Matty Taylor and Gary Cahill were also on the mark for the resurgent Trotters, who moved up to seventh in the table on the back of the three-point haul.

"Now that he's started scoring goals, everyone is starting to think that he's not a bad player," said Megson.

"We knew that the goals would come and he is a very intelligent person and we just asked him to play central and stay up the pitch, keep the same work-rate and play in the position that would cause them an issue."

Meanwhile, Megson admitted he is a little bemused by his side's recent upturn in fortunes following their slow start to the season.

"We aren't doing anything differently but what is happening is that there is a bit of recognition in what we are trying to do," he added.

"We are trying to put our foot on the ball and we do look for the gaps.

"We can play different formations with the same players and they are great bunch to work with."