Gary Megson has told striker Johan Elmander that his place in the side is in jeopardy unless he starts scoring on a regular basis. Elmander has struggled to make a sustained impact at the Reebok Stadium since his big-money move to the club from Toulouse in 2008.

The Sweden international scored just five times in 30 Premier League appearances last season and has been similarly starved of goals this term.

And though the 28-year-old has stated his belief that his form is beginning to improve, Trotters boss Megson wants to see the evidence on the pitch.

"He has found himself out of the team and whether that has had a positive effect, I don't know," said Megson.

"It is a big season for him and it was nice he scored against Aston Villa.

"He is a good player, but he's got to deliver on a regular basis the same as everybody else."