BOLTON Wanderers boss Colin Todd has spiced up Saturday's Lancashire hotpot showdown by saying he does not fear a backlash after Rovers were mauled by Manchester United. Todd is in buoyant mood after two victories in the space of three days pushed Wanderers up to 13th spot in the Premiership while Rovers saw their unbeaten away record torn to shreds in the 4-0 defeat at Old Trafford.

And Todd is hungry to build on the success of a recent good run which also includes a hard earned 0-0 draw at Leicester - and says his squad is more prepared now for the rigours of the Premiership than on their last visit to Ewood Park two season ago.

On that occasion Rovers ran out 3-1 winners as Bolton paid the price for their cavalier attitude and made a quick return to Division One.

But Todd said: "That is all history now and we have learned our lesson. We are more prepared for the Premiership this season and have a stronger squad. We are in confident mood at the moment and will be looking to build on our recent good run on Saturday.

He added: "Derby games are always a big affair and the players and fans always thrive on these occasions. While we know we are in for a tough game on Saturday we do not fear a backlash.

"I was at Old Trafford on Sunday but didn't learn anything about Rovers. They changed their system and let themselves down a bit on the day but we are expected a much tougher test when they are sure to revert to their usual formation."

Bolton's mini-revival has largely been down to the form of striker Nathan Blake, who has struck two match-winning goals in consecutive games. Todd said: "I don't really like to compare players but like Chris Sutton, Nathan has the ability to be one of the top six to eight strikers in the Premiership. He has power and pace which scares defenders and although he only has six goals he has the potential to get a lot more.

"Like many of our players, he has adapted well to the Premiership and on his day can cause defenders a lot of problems."

Rovers central defender Chris Coleman has finally joined Kevin Keegan's revolution at Fulham in a £2.1m deal after agreeing personal terms. The Welsh international, who has not managed to break back into the first team at Ewood Park since returning from injury, is ambitious Fulham's record signing.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.