``I think it is the smallest gamble we have ever taken. Nic's record speaks for itself,'' Allardyce said. ``We want to help him along the way and produce and perform.''

Anelka signed a four-year contract with Bolton last Friday in a transfer from Turkish club Fenerbahce worth eight million pounds ($16.8 million Cdn). He'll make his debut for Bolton in a Sept. 9 league game against Watford.

Anelka has developed a reputation for being difficult after falling out with Arsenal and Real Madrid and France coaches Jacques Santini and Raymond Domenech. He's also played at Liverpool and Manchester City.

``I saw Bolton last year and they played great . . . and I think it's a good club and a big challenge,'' Anelka said.

``I like England because of the way the game is played _ very quick _ and the fans. I like everything about England and when I wanted to leave Fenerbahce, I said I wanted to come back to England.''