SAM Allardyce has added extra spice to Bolton's eagerly anticipated derby with Preston at the Reebok Stadium tomorrow.

Allardyce, once a player and then a caretaker-manager at Deepdale, has left no one in any doubts how much it will mean if he can put one over his old employers.

"I doubt whether there is a Bolton fan who is more bothered about winning tomorrow than me. Preston is dear to me for all sorts of reasons, not least because going there extended my playing career, but a win tomorrow would be special."

Allardyce must decide whether to give his new striker Michael Ricketts, once at Walsall, a chance to make his debut.

Ricketts hasn't started a game for Bolton due to a three match ban and the same goes for defender and captain Mike Whitlow.

But former Rovers midfielder Paul Warhurst is out for up to six weeks with a hamstring problem, and ex-Southampton defender Simon Charlton, sidelined with a groin injury.

Allardyce believes his defence is a key tomorrow: "We have defended brilliantly so far and we know we must maintain it especially while we have all our unavailability problems. The men at the back were always going to be important in the early weeks and they have responded magnificently.

"But that goes for the whole team -- I couldn't have asked more and the start we have made is very very pleasing."