Allardyce hails Bolton character

Lok Plovdiv 1-2 Bolton (agg 4-2)

Bolton boss Sam Allardyce praised his side's character after they came from behind to beat Lokomotiv Plovdiv.

"It was very, very difficult for us," said Allardyce following Bolton's 4-2 aggregate win over the Bulgarian side.

"We tried to protect our lead and sat back. That goal really kicked us into a performance because up until then we were average.

"We showed tremendous character. We had a touch of luck with the own goal, but Kevin Nolan's strike was superb."

Over 1,500 Bolton fans travelled to Bulgaria to watch their side play in Europe and Allardyce revealed that level of support made him question his decision to rotate his squad by making seven changes.

Allardyce said: "I took a walk along the beachfront earlier and saw more Bolton Wanderers shirts than anything else this side of Bulgaria.

"The word then quickly got around just how many fans were here, having spent their hard-earned money to come and watch us.

"I had already selected the side by then and I was concerned that with all the changes we might not be able to perform for them, and to get through, more for their benefit than for ours.

"In the end, we just about got it right, with the changes necessary because of the load we have got.

"I knew I could not let my heart rule my head. I felt there were too many changes, but it had to be done because we have a big local derby against Wigan on Sunday and key players have to be fresh for our league games."