WITH a little help from "perfect specimen" Youri Djorkaeff, Wanderers' hopes of survival can be boosted by the fittest player in town writes Richard Mulligan

Sam Allardyce may not be Charles Darwin, but he knows that with the Frenchman still producing as he did on Saturday - even at 35-years-old - the club can evolve well above their last two finishes.

Djorkaeff was by far the man of the match against Blackburn, scoring one and assisting Kevin Davies with a sublime pass for the second.

And despite his contract at Wanderers finishing at the end of the season, Allardyce is backing his World Cup winner to keep on going for many years to come - maybe at the Reebok.

"Youri was by far the best player and has showed that his age is irrelevant, certainly at this stage of the season," said Allardyce.

"His performance was massive, he absolutely terrorised them.

"The talent is obvious but he is hungrier than ever to succeed in the game. He has made it quite clear he does not want to be involved in another scrap at the end of the season.

"He has faced that in his first two seasons at the football club, and if he puts in performances like he did on Saturday he will not deserve to be involved in that.

"Youri's stamina is remarkable as is his whole physical condition. He's got something like a 6.7 per cent body fat count, which tells the story of the level of athlete we have here. He's a perfect specimen.

"Gudni Bergsson was much the same. They are both lucky to have been born with a good frame but the successful person tunes it and retains it through hard work, determination and dedication. There's no doubt Youri can keep on going for years if he wants to because he knows the demands of the Premiership and how fit and strong he has to be to survive.

"He has suffered very little with injuries during his career which helps, there is little wear and tear of his knees.

"It's possible he may suffer a little more as the season progresses but at the moment there are no problems with him."

Djorkaeff seemed to be the catalyst for the team's performance in the first half against Blackburn, and with a top international player at his best it can only have a positive effect on some of the less naturally talented players.

But Allardyce believes the improving quality of the players at his disposal is responsible for Djorkaeff's outstanding start to the season.

He said: "I think we can get the best out of Youri now than ever before because of the quality of players we have now, no disrespect to those we have had before.

"Youri is found more with passes and there are more balls threaded through to him which give him more opportunity to use his magic. You have to have a match winner in the side who can turn games, and that's what he was and should have been on Saturday - but for the late goal.

"When he receives possession he is dangerous as he kept on showing on Saturday. My favourite moment against Blackburn was his chip early in the game, I thought it was in but it went just over.

"With a player like Youri we have a chance in any game."