Nolan ban hurts Trotters
24 Oct 2006 - 08:05:30
Bolton Wanderers boss Sam Allardyce says that the three-game suspension handed down to skipper Kevin Nolan is a big blow to his side.
Nolan will miss the league meetings with Manchester United and Wigan Athletic, as well as the Carling Cup clash with Charlton Athletic as a result of his dismissal in the 1-0 win over Blackburn Rovers.
The 24-year-old midfielder was booked for dissent before being shown a straight red card after another clash with referee Mike Dean, incurring a three-game ban for five yellow cards this season as well as the red.
Allardyce admitted: "It's a massive setback for us because he's growing as a captain as well as a footballer, so he has an influence on and off the field.
"It's a blow to us all and I know how disappointed he will be to miss any game, but certainly the Manchester United game, which he's been so prominent in over the years."
Meanwhile, Trotters defender Abdoulaye Faye is hopeful of being fit to feature next weekend, having needed hospital treatment for concussion after the win at Ewood Park.