SAM Allardyce has mixed emotions over Stig Tofting's impact on the World Cup Finals.

The Wanderers' boss is delighted to see his "pocket battleship" mixing with and matching the best in Korea and Japan. But Big Sam will put country before club when he sits down to watch England and Denmark go head to head tomorrow for a place in the quarter-finals.

"As much as I like him (Tofting), I won't be backing him," the manager inisted today.

"I'm a patriot and a big England fan who will be cheering them on to victory against Denmark. I hope he does well but I want England to go through."

Whatever the result in Niigata, Allardyce believes Tofting has already enhanced his reputation as a midfield "enforcer" with his performances against Uruguay, Senegal and France in Group A and believes that can only be good for Wanderers.

"He's had a fantastic World Cup and deserves all the praise he's getting at the moment," Allardyce added. "Considering the (foot) injury which kept him out for seven games towards the end of last season, he has done remarkably well to star for the Danes.

"In fact, that will probably work to our advantage when he reports back for training in July. Hopefully, he'll be able to carry his form through to the start of the season in August."

"That will stand us in good stead when he comes back, fresh for the new campaign."