SAM Allardyce fuelled the atmosphere ahead of Saturday's Reebok clash with local rivals Blackburn Rovers when he recognised the fixture as having a major bearing on his team's survival prospects.

"We know we've got teams in the next three or four games who are in and around about us," the manager pointed out, "but nothing bigger than what we've got on Saturday with Blackburn being that one position below us.

"It's very, very important to try and get a win, thus stretching our points tally to seven ahead of them.

"That would be extremely pleasing from our point of view and every Bolton fan, obviously, with it being a local derby."

The draw at Southampton - the first scoreless game at the new St Mary's Stadium - gave them a four-point advantage over Rovers who still lie third from bottom. And it is an advantage they are determined to build on as the relegation battle hots up.

"It's the biggest game," midfielder Kevin Nolan acknowledged. "There are still 11 games to go and it's not just about the next one but it is definitely a six-pointer and we're aiming to go seven points clear of them."

That would be a significant psychological blow with Wanderers currently locked in a relegation dogfight against their Lancashire neighbours.

Wanderers know, however, that any slips at this stage of the season could have serious consequences. "Although we are four points above the relegation zone, we can't get carried away," skipper Gudni Bergsson warned. "It will be a very important game against Blackburn."