Playing For Bolton Means England Snub For Nolan

By Mark Heys
September 6 2006

Kevin Nolan beleives that his chances of playing for his country are being affected because of the size of the club who he plays for.

The 24-year old has often been touted for a call up to Steve McClaren's full England team but as yet there has been no breakthrough despite a number of good performances.

Bolton skipper Nolan knows he would have had a chance to represent his country at senior level had he been with one of the big four teams in the Barclays Premier League.

However, the level headed Scouser is not putting himself forward for a move elsewhere but merely stating a fact that some people still see Bolton Wanderers as a small time outfit.

"I am sure I would have broken into the England squad by now if I was playing for Manchester United or Liverpool. Some people see Bolton as a smaller club - clearly I disagree with that.

"But if I was playing for a so-called ‘big club’ I would have had a couple of chances with the squad."

Nolan also insists that Wanderers manager Sam Allardyce has been fully supportive about his possible international prospects over the last couple of years.

"He has always been very supportive of my cause. It is always a boost to hear him say I should be in the England squad.

"He is not stupid, he knows if he builds up my confidence I will play better football and I am the sort of player who needs an arm around my shoulder from time to time, which Sam is very good at."