El-Hadji Diouf, the latest player to capture the imagination of the Reebok fans, is confident Wanderers have enough star quality already to maintain their lofty league position - even after Saturday's 2-1 home defeat by Aston Villa.

The Senegal international, on a season-long loan from Liverpool, is enjoying his football again after enduring a painful second season at Anfield following his £10 million transfer from Auxerre, and is confident the good times are rolling at the Reebok.

"I think the best is still to come," Diouf said after scoring for the second successive home game and carrying off the man of the match honours.

"I think the team is playing well and I am happy here because I am playing well.

"When I am happy in my life, the rest follows. I am improving with every game because I am happy with the team and the fans and the manager gives me confidence."

Diouf, who has been pilloried by critics and opponents for his gamesmanship, stayed well within the law and the spirit of the law when he tormented Villa and delighted the Wanderers' fans with his best performance yet in a white shirt - agonisingly missing out on what could have proved the matchwinner when he hit the post with a header.

"I think the fans like me because I play for the team and give all my power for the team," he said.

"Football is my life and I am enjoying my football again with Bolton.

"I love touching the ball, I love dribbling and I love doing things that the people enjoy.

"Sometimes we have to play hard, sometimes we give something spectacular or special this is my football.

"I like to make people happy. I could have gone to Malaga or Seville in Spain but I came here because I liked what the boss had to say to me and because this club has good players like Jay Jay Okocha, Ivan Campo, Fernando Hierro and Kevin Nolan.

"There are a lot of players here who give the club a good reputation."