SAMMY Lee will ask for an action replay of the spirit Wanderers showed in wrecking Chelsea's title hopes when he makes his managerial debut at West Ham.

The new Bolton boss believes the performance at Stamford Bridge last week was largely overshadowed by events off the field that led to the shock resignation of Sam Allardyce 24 hours later.

But he reckons the level of professionalism that earned them a 2-2 draw and effectively handed the Premiership title to Manchester United, should be enough to secure the points they need from their two remaining games - today at Upton Park and next Sunday at home to Aston Villa - to qualify for the UEFA Cup.

"I don't think the players got the credit they deserved for the professional attitude they showed at Chelsea," Lee said.

"But I firmly believe in this group of players. All I can ask for is that they put in a performance akin to that in the next two games. If they do, they will get what we want out of them."

Lee accepts that the events of the seven days - Allardyce's resignation and his promotion to manager - could be distracting at such a critical stage of the season.

But he has spent the last two days ensuring that the players stay focused. The former Whites assistant said: "The next two games are massive, the pressure to qualify for Europe is tangible.

"I haven't come into this job with my eyes closed. The timing is such that we only have two games to go and we want to qualify for Europe.

"But we need to keep things on an even keel. What's happened this week was a shock to everyone. But this group of players are determined to get the points needed to get us into Europe.

"I wouldn't say it would be a travesty if they didn't, but it would be very disappointing because they deserve it for what they have put in over the course of the season.

"Their response in training, though, has been excellent. Their attitude and professionalism has to be admired."

Skipper Kevin Nolan is expected to return in midfield, possibly at the expense of Idan Tal, after missing the Chelsea game with a badly bruised ankle - a legacy of the injury he suffered in the 3-1 home defeat by Reading a fortnight ago.

Stelios (groin) and Abdoulaye Faye (infected toe) face late fitness tests but El-Hadji Diouf, Nicjy Hunt and Tal Ben Haim are still missing.