MARIO Jardel might have been temporarily frozen out by Sam Allardyce but he will be guaranteed a warm welcome in the Reebok dressing room, if he returns to see out the second year of his contract.

One of the most prolific goalscorers in Europe, the enigmatic Brazilian was labelled a flop by the Wanderers boss when he was farmed out on loan to Ancona. He won no admirers in Italy, where he repeatedly had run-ins with the hierarchy at the Serie A club, who have since had their relegation fate sealed.

But he is remembered fondly by his Bolton team-mates, according to Kevin Nolan, who says he would be welcomed back into the fold.

"Everyone calls Mario a flop but he was one of the lads; he was funny and we all had a laugh and a joke with him." Nolan said.

"It looks like he might be back for next season and we'll be happy with that. We all stick together here."