Davies backs Megson's strategy March 07 2008
Bolton striker Kevin Davies would have no problems if Gary Megson axed him for Thursday's UEFA Cup return against Sporting Lisbon.
The Trotters are free of Premier League commitments this weekend, and away from the worries of the relegation battle, Megson fielded a full-strength side in Thursday night's 1-1 draw at the Reebok Stadium.
But for the second leg of the last-16 tie at the Estadio Jose Alvalade, the team on show could be vastly different.
Megson's over-riding priority is top-flight survival, and with a crucial clash at relegation rivals Wigan three days later, a number of key players are likely to be left behind.
Should Davies be one of those, he would understand the reasoning.
"Of course I would," said the former Southampton and Blackburn forward.
"The Premier League is definitely the priority. We're not in a great position, and the Wigan game is such a huge one for us.
"It's a local derby and we need to pick up some points.
"We have the return leg to focus on first, but we will leave it to the manager to see what squad he takes. It's something he is going to have to consider.
"Obviously, we still want to progress, and we've proven ourselves already in the competition this season with the squads we've taken to other difficult places.
"The manager has rested players ahead of big games, and those that have come in and played have still managed to get a result.
"We all still want to be involved, but the bigger picture is the Wigan game."
Davies insists Megson is not placing overdue influence on the Latics game, adding: "Not at all.
"As I've said, he has selected squads before that have done a job in Europe, and if we can get a positive result in Lisbon then that will help our confidence.
"We're still in the competition, and we feel we can go there, grab a goal and see ourselves through."
However, if they are to clinch a place in the quarter-finals of the competition, they face a tough ask in Lisbon, and they only have themselves to blame.
Comfortably leading 1-0 at the break courtesy of Gavin McCann's second goal in Europe this season, Bolton eased up in the second period and allowed the Portuguese outfit to draw level through Simon Vukcevic.
"We wanted to push on and get another goal because I thought we were on top in the first half," said Davies.
"They hadn't threatened, but then we seemed to take our foot off the gas in the second half and we caused our own problems.
"We're struggling to put two halves of football together at the moment. It's either a first or second-half performance.
"We've now made it hard for ourselves in Lisbon. We would have been happy with 1-0, but we're still in the tie and it's all to play for."