Bolton Wanderers defender Andy O'Brien can understand manager Gary Megson's decision to leave him out of the team for several weeks.

"Looking back the manager made the right decisions because against Newcastle last weekend I had the bit between my teeth," admits the experienced centre-half.

"When you are not in the team you appreciate the opportunity to get back in it. And, in fairness, I've worked very hard for the three weeks when I wasn't in the side.

"I would like to think that paid dividends by getting recalled for the game against Newcastle."

Wanderers aren't yet safe from the drop but only an unlikely end-of-season collapse will drag them into contention.

And O'Brien says: "Everyone reckons you need to get to 40 points to remain in the Premier League. However, we've got bigger aspirations than that."