Allardyce hails Okocha

Report: Bolton 5-2 Aston Villa

Bolton boss Sam Allardyce hailed Jay-Jay Okocha as the club's 'best-ever' player after the Nigerian's two-goal show against Aston Villa.

Okocha scored two free-kicks, the second a stunner, in a 5-2 Carling Cup semi-final first leg victory.

"I have been associated with this club for 17 years and I haven't seen anyone better than him here," Allardyce said.

"Jay-Jay's second has to be the goal of the season. I can't see anyone doing better than that before May."

Allardyce added: "He bent it from that angle around the outside of the wall with his right foot into the top corner of the net.

"Thomas Sorensen barely moved, it moved that quick. Jay-Jay's talent is unquestionable and he has done us a magnificent job."

We have to make sure that wonderful display is not wasted Sam Allardyce

Okocha is set to leave centre stage at Bolton to join up with the Nigeria squad at the African Cup of Nations which is due to start in Tunisia on Friday.

The 30-year-old playmaker has been given a new lease of life after Allardyce brought him to the Reebok Stadium in 2002.

Okocha cut a frustrated figure at former club Paris St Germain, where he was unable to command the central creative role the exuberant Nigerian craved.

But he has lit up the Premiership with his silky skills and wide smile.

Okocha infuriated the Nigerian FA by delaying his departure so he could play for Bolton in the semi-final first leg.

The midfielder made the gesture to thank Allardyce for placing his faith in the star's mercurial talents.

"He has been under immense pressure to leave us and has been strong enough to resist," Allardyce added.

"The fixtures have been a bit of a help towards us because his first game is not until 27 January.

"What we have to make sure now is that wonderful display is not wasted.

"The same goes for Kevin Nolan as he is suspended unfortunately for the second leg.

"The three-goal cushion is very important. We have to make sure we see it through."