Allardyce

El-Hadji Diouf has praised the Blackburn manager Sam Allardyce by saying he will be very hard to replace. Blackburn star Diouf returns to the Reebok Stadium alongside Allardyce as Rovers look to leapfrog their neighbours in the Premier League table on Sunday.

The pair helped Wanderers finish regularly in the top eight and brought European football to the club for the first time.

Now Owen Coyle has led unfancied Bolton to a fantastic start to the season which has left some fans dreaming of Europa League qualification.

Blackburn Rovers boss Sam Allardyce says that he is keeping an eye on young star Phil Jones so that he doesn't get carried away. The 18-year-old, who came up through the youth ranks at Blackburn Rovers, was 'outstanding' for the Young Lions this month.

He also impressed in central midfield for Rovers in their last two games against Manchester City and Fulham. But while delighted with the youngster's achievements, Allardyce does not want to see him lose focus.