Gianfranco Zola is the finest foreign import ever to grace the Barclays Premier League, according to Bolton boss Gary Megson. Megson, who takes his side to Upton Park on Sunday, said: "West Ham go on about the tradition that they've got - the passing and moving and all this kind of stuff - but it hasn't always been successful.

"They've been relegated quite a few times.

"But if Zola is anywhere near as good a manager as he was a player then he's going to be a real class act.

"He's a good bloke and as a footballer I think he was one of the top three imports that came into the Premier League.

"You had Bergkamp, Ruud Gullit and Jurgen Klinsmann, who all raised the standard, but I think the top one was Gianfranco Zola.

"He didn't come over here with the biggest reputation but I just think the way he played, and the way he conducted himself, made him a real shining light.

"He was fantastic for the game and in management he has started really well."