I ENJOY each and every Wanderers victory but ones against your local rivals, like against Blackburn on Sunday, are extra special.

After going down to 10 men, the lads showed tremendous resolve and spirit to win the match. Rovers equalised with three minutes remaining but the lads fought back and, within 60 seconds, had gone up the other end and scored again.

I was really proud of the team – that is what they are about these days. The gaffer said after the match that the fans played a key role in inspiring the players and I have to agree with him. They were fantastic.

I must admit, however, that I didn’t see our winning goal. Once Blackburn equalised I went down the tunnel to see Mark Davies and console him a bit.

I know what it is like to be in the dressing room on your own after a sending-off. I put my arm around him and told him to keep his chin up . . . and then I heard a big roar.

We were jumping around the dressing room like lunatics. I was ecstatic.

I had a look back at the sending-off and I think Mark was a bit unfortunate. He did lead with his elbow but his eyes were always fixed on the ball and, as anyone knows, if you are going to try and elbow somebody you have a quick glance to see where they are. Mark’s focus was purely on the ball.

I was pleased for Fabrice Muamba after he came off the bench and scored. That is exactly the right attitude when you drop down to the bench.

I wouldn’t say I was surprised, because nothing surprises me in football any more, and everyone has to respect the gaffer’s decision.

I prefer to look at the bigger picture and, if you have players like Fab on the bench, you have got a really good team and squad.

It sends a message to all the players and I am sure it will keep everybody on their toes.

IT’S that time of the year when everyone around the country has a Christmas party – and footballers are no different.

I have no idea what the Wanderers lads have got planned but Owen was a player and he knows that it’s nice for the squad to get together for a drink.

But gone are the days when the players drink themselves stupid. There is not a drinking culture in the game these days and the lads know they have to be super-fit to deal with the demands of the Premier League.

Wanderers have a strong skipper and I am sure they will all behave themselves. It is good for team spirit and, as long as nobody misbehaves, there is nothing wrong with it.

It’s changed from when I was a player. I can’t remember my Christmas parties – probably because I was carried out of most of them unconscious.

In all seriousness, the game has changed now and players are a lot more aware of the need to be in top shape every weekend.

I AM sure I am joined by the rest of the club when I give Amir Khan a huge pat on the back for his excellent display in Las Vegas on Saturday night.

The lad is Bolton through and through and we should all be proud of having a world boxing champion in our midst.

After he was beaten by Breidis Prescott, I said we would see a different fighter and he has knuckled down and is getting his rewards now.

He is maturing into a fine boxer and a top man. He is surrounded by some good people and I am sure he will continue to do well.

The fight was on a bit too late for me to watch it but I sent a text to his manager, Asif Vali, to offer my congratulations and I know Amir will be coming down to watch us once he is back in the country.

I often joke with Amir that I could take him and he never seems to fancy it when I bump into him at the training ground.

But, in all seriousness, he is a fantastic boxer and athlete and I look forward to watching him win many more world titles.

IT was fantastic to see our old friend Mark Halsey at the game on Sunday.

He is well respected at the club and I suppose it is a good thing that we do not see much of him any more – because that means he is refereeing games.

I would like to wish him and his family a very happy Christmas.