ONE of the most pertinent questions asked of Sam Allardyce when he announced the signing of Jay Jay Okocha was whether he was no longer interested in bringing Youri Djorkaeff to the Reebok.

Surely he was not thinking of playing them both in the same side!

But that is exactly what he had in mind -- and within a couple of weeks had sealed the deal that will put the two world class playmakers in harness, hopefully terrorising Premiership defences and delighting Wanderers' fans.

It is a mouth-watering prospect but there are no guarantees.

Down the years managers have tried to accommodate more than one supremely-gifted creative player only to find that big names often mean big egos and lead to big problems.

But Allardyce need have no worries -- not according to Okocha, the Nigerian international who relishes the opportunity to work alongside the maestro.

"Of course we can play together," insists the 28-year-old African without even a hint of doubt. "I don't see any reason why we can't.

"Before I decided to come to Bolton I was considering the ambition of the club and they have shown me how ambitious they are by signing players like Youri.

"I think we will have a good season."

The premature exit of France and Nigeria from the World Cup Finals this summer restricted the appearances of the two men Wanderers' fans were keeping tabs on, knowing they could be pulling on the white shirt next season.

But Djorkaeff -- already with World Cup and European Championship medals to his name -- had nothing to prove to anyone after Reebok fans took him to their hearts during his three-month stint last season and Okocha did enough in his three group games to enhance his status among the world's most talented players.

Two big, big talents but, on the evidence so far, not an ego in sight.

"It's all new to me," Okocha says as he gears up for his first taste of English football after quitting Paris St Germain. "I've been following the Premiership for the last couple of years and I enjoy watching it ... now I'm glad to be part of it.

"I'll find out for myself what it's like."

He has already adjusted well to a change to his usual pre-season routine.

Wanderers' scientific approach, designed to get their players in tune without flogging them to death, was a far cry from the tough physical regime he was accustomed to in France.

"It's been quite a bit different but I've enjoyed it," he says. "I'm impressed and happy with what I've seen so far.

"In Paris we had an Italian physical trainer who only ran you. You didn't do much with the ball.

"I think it depends on the league you are playing in but I believe the work we have been doing will fit in more with the Premiership than the French league."