What The Gaffer Said

Steve Bruce: ‘Before I say anything about the game I have to say thank you to the supporters, who have helped us along.

‘They are one of the reasons I came here and when you see 4,000 here today it`s fantastic.

‘The players stuck at it today, and although they needed a bit of luck at times they kept going.

‘Bolton has been a bit of a happy hunting ground for me. I`m thoroughly delighted for everyone concerned because it`s been a tough couple of months.

‘We have made progress in my opinion – I don`t know of many teams who could come to Bolton with nine or ten players missing and get a result, which is what we`ve done today.

‘It was a great time to score – just before half time – and if we`d have wanted anyone out there in that one-on-one situation it would have been Bolo [Zenden].

‘He`s a fantastic wee player. I wish he was 25 or 26 but he keeps himself in remarkable condition.

‘If I am critical of myself, maybe I haven`t played him enough. It was great to see him produce a performance like that today.

‘It was a great ball in for their equaliser but it was our day. We needed a little bit of luck.

‘Sulley [Muntari] was due a goal and is never a better time to get a winner than right at the death!’