MANCHESTER United's Phil Neville is backing Sam Allardyce's summer signings to propel Wanderers into mid-table this season writes Richard Mulligan

The Bury-born defender was part of the United side that lost at home to Bolton last year, and he is expecting a much improved side that will travel to Old Trafford tonight.

While Wanderers finished just four points above the drop last time around, the England player sees the likes of Youri Djorkaeff, Jay Jay Okocha and Ivan Campo putting the Whites well up the Premiership.

"I think Bolton will finish in mid-table this season," says Neville.

"Some of the signings might have surprised some people but Sam Allardyce is a top quality manager and he has been ambitious and shrewd in the transfer market.

"He has not spent money on fees which means he can attract better players with big wages.

"Bolton now have players who can do something a bit different.

"Youri Djorkaeff and Jay Jay Okocha both played in the World Cup and have tons of experience, they will compliment the great professionals that were already at the club.

"Those kind of players mean that they won't just be scrapping anymore. Bolton are now looking to establish themselves in the Premiership."

But Neville and co will not be doing Wanderers any favours tonight, as United look to avenge their 2-1 home defeat by Wanderers last October.

"United versus Bolton is a local derby and I'm sure that last year's game was the highlight of the season for Wanderers' fans," he says.

"For us it was a big disappointment, and we'll be aiming for a very different result this time."