Andy O'Brien believes 40 points will be good enough to keep Bolton in the Premier League.

And the former Irish international doesn't feel the club's impressive UEFA Cup campaign is hindering Wanderers' chances of staying up.

Gary Megson's side has been marooned on 25 points, suffering three successive league defeats since beating Reading.

A 50 per cent points haul from the remaining 10 matches should be within Bolton's capabilities.

However, with games coming up against United, Arsenal, Chelsea, City and Aston Villa, it's still a daunting prospect.

"People usually say if you get to 40 points you will be safe," O'Brien told the Manchester Evening News.

"And I think if we get that total we should be all right. But it's not going to be easy."