Points are priority, says Coyle

Bolton head into Sunday’s derby against Blackburn in sixth place but manager Owen Coyle insists they are not getting carried away.

“We need to concentrate on getting points,” Coyle said.

“There are small margins between lots of teams in the Premier League table. My target is the next game that comes up.

“I don’t look any further than that and this is what I will continue to do. We have to remain focussed and look at what is ahead of us.”

“We’re not even at the halfway point in the season yet so we just have to carry on trying to get as many points as we can before we even start to have a look at the table.”

With less than 15 minutes between the two towns there is a real local derby element to the match.

Blackburn manager Sam Allardyce used to be in charge at Bolton and Coyle knows the danger the former boss will bring with him on Sunday.

“There is a rivalry with added bits of pieces – Sam Allardyce coming back to Bolton after doing such a fantastic job adds some spice,” Coyle said.

“He is a great manager. They lost 7-1 at Manchester United then bounced back to win 3-0 last week.”

“It showed his character when they did so well after a heavy defeat. We all know it will be a very tough afternoon.”

“As it’s a derby match there will be bragging rights up for grabs. I ask my players to be the best they can be and cannot ask for any more than that.”

“They need to be mentally strong against Blackburn on Sunday.”

As they enter the hectic Christmas period, Coyle knows he needs to be able to rely on all members of his squad.

“We don’t want to be one-dimensional. I believe we have quality in our squad and we have coped well with suspensions.”

“Our strength is as a group and that is how we win points.”

“Every club I have managed I have tried to build a formidable home record.”