GARY Megson hailed goal machine Ivan Klasnic after Wanderers sealed a vital win against fellow strugglers West Ham United – but admitted he nearly took him off.

The on-loan hitman grabbed the crucial second goal – his fifth in six Premier League games – in last night’s 3-1 victory at the Reebok.

Klasnic pounced on goalkeeper Robert Green’s terrible blunder to help Bolton claim their first win in eight attempts and move out of the relegation places.

Megson praised the Croatian striker’s predatory instincts after he restored his side’s lead after Allesandro Diamanti had cancelled out Chung-Yong Lee’s 64th-minute opener.

“He just gets goals,” said the Wanderers manager. “He just needs one chance and that’s what he got.

“We were looking before (the goal) and his contribution wasn’t what we hoped for but he’s just got this singlemindedness that he wants to get goals.

“He could quite easily have come off the pitch but I’m not sure we would have had another player in that position when the keeper made that mistake.

“We knew what we were getting when we signed him and we’re delighted with the goals he’s contributed.”

The Bolton boss added: “There was a bit of anxiety — not just from the players but from the supporters, me, everybody. We’re now three points away from 12th and have a hugely significant game against Wigan on Monday night.

“But we’ve taken four points out of our last six and we’ve got to try and keep that momentum going that we’ve gained.”

Gary Cahill wrapped up the points with a fine header late on — the defender’s second goal in four days.

“He’s a terrific player and a real threat in the box,” said Megson.