SAM Allardyce believes the return to form and fitness of Paul Warhurst could be a crucial factor in how the season pans out.

"Paul didn't get as much of the limelight as Kevin Nolan and Per Frandsen at Leicester as he didn't score," he said.

"But his role in reading the game and getting in the right positions was excellent.

"Certainly from the closing down point of view we nullified the threat of the Leicester trio of Dennis Wise, Muzzy Izzet and Robbie Savage. All three are rated very highly in the Premiership."