By Mark Heys
December 17 2005

Bolton manager Sam Allardyce is keeping faith with mis-firing striker Kevin Davies going into the Christmas fixtures despite the fact that the bustling forward has not scored in eighteen games. Allardyce has given the former Southampton and Blackburn player a big vote of confidence going into today's game against Everton and he predicts that the goals will start to come sooner rather than later.

"What we need is for Kevin to be in the right areas and be brave enough to miss until one goes in. Hopefully, then he'll flourish. It's about getting Kevin's confidence back up.

Despite the concern over his lack of goals the Wanderers chief was full of praise for the contribution made by the 28-year old Davies throughout the course of this season.

"The good thing about Kevin is he makes a massive contribution to the team even when he's not scoring. His hold-up play and physical presence is a plus for us."

The omens at Goodison Park are good for Davies as he scored twice for the Trotters on that ground last season and could have so nearly had a hat trick but for some strong Everton defending.