Nolan to fight for his place

KEVIN Nolan has pledged to fight to keep his Premiership place as Wanderers bid to bounce back from the disappointment of their opening day defeat at Old Trafford.

The fiesty midfielder was upset at being substituted after conceding the 72nd minute penalty that gave Manchester United the chance to double their lead.

The 21-year-old was relieved to see Jussi Jaaskelainen save Ruud van Nistelrooy's spot-kick but was immediately replaced by Per Frandsen and had to watch from the sidelines as the Champions romped to a 4-0 win.

"I thought I did okay," said Nolan, who had two of Wanderers' best first half chance. "I was quite happy with my performance but people see different things and obviously the gaffer wanted to change something.

"Obviously I was disappointed coming off but, hopefully, I'll be in the team for Saturday and get into the run of games where I get the chances (to score).

"If I keep playing and playing the goals are going to come."

Nolan, who had scored in successive victories at Old Trafford, had an eventful game after being given a starting place ahead of Frandsen, who had been suffering from a sore throat in the build-up to the game.

Hecamewithinaninchofputting

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I'll fight for my place - Nolan

Wanderers ahead when his chipped shot gave new United keeper Tim Howard his only serious test of the game. But he blotted his copybook when he pulled Ronaldo's shirt to concede the penalty.

"I was not naive, it was instinct," Nolan explained. "He had gone past and was through on goal. As he went across me I had a little tug at his shirt and he went down - that's what you do when you're in the box."

Allardyce could be spoiled for choice when he considers his team selection for Saturday's game against Blackburn.

In addition to Frandsen, who is fit again, the manager also has Youri Djorkaeff pressing for a place after his half hour appearance against United, where he wore a face mask to protect his fractured cheekbone.

The Frenchman said: "My cheekbone stood up to the rigours of the match, The mask helped me and I am hopeful that the progress I have made will mean I have a chance of starting the game on Saturday. My fitness levels are excellent.

"During my rehabilitation, I worked hard with my fitness and I am pleased with the level I am at."