ZAT Knight has played down his England chances.

Owen Coyle suggested the centre back could force his way into Fabio Capello’s World Cup plans if he continues the form he is currently showing with Wanderers.

But Knight insists his sole focus is on keeping Bolton in the Premier League.

Wanderers moved up to 13th in the table and eight points clear of the bottom three following Saturday’s 4-0 thumping of neighbours Wigan.

The 28-year-old has been instrumental in the club’s safety push, excelling in the absence of the injured Gary Cahill.

Coyle has not held back in his praise of Knight and tipped the giant defender to add to the two caps he won in 2005. But the player is just happy to focus on Wanderers.

“With the England thing, it’s nice to get those kind of words from the manager,” said Knight. “It boosts your confidence.

“I just want to do well for Bolton and, whatever comes after that comes.”

Knight has been transformed since Coyle arrived at the Reebok in January.

And he has credited the new Wanderers manager with both his and the side’s upturn in fortunes, saying the Scot’s infectious style has rubbed off on the players.

“Since he has come in, he’s given everyone a lot of encouragement,” said the former Aston Villa player. He’s always got a smile on his face and that gives you plenty of confidence and it makes you want to do well for him.

“It’s always ‘well done this, well done that,’ and that’s different from other managers I have had.

“It’s like a kid — when you encourage them, they want to do it all the time. And it is the same in all walks of life.

“As individuals and a team, we want to do more and more.”

Gary Cahill, meanwhile, believes his World Cup dreams are still alive. The defender has missed the last five weeks after suffering a blood clot in his arm.

But Cahill returned to full training yesterday and has not given up hope of being on the plane to South Africa in the summer.

He said: “If I can get back playing well and pick up where I left off before the end of the season then you never know what might happen in terms of England.”

Wanderers reserves travel to Manchester City in the Manchester Senior Cup tonight, kick-off 7pm.