Kevin Nolan was 'emotional' on his return to Bolton Wanderers

Nolan joined Bolton as a teenager in the mid-1990s and spent over a decade at the club, including three years as captain in the Premier League, but he took no extra pleasure in taking an impressive point off them in Sunday’s 0-0 draw.

"It doesn't mean anything extra because it was Bolton,” he said. “I'm just happy to get the point.

"I love coming back to Bolton because it brings back so many good memories for me. I sat in the dugout before the game and had a little walk onto the pitch and I got a bit emotional because I spent a lot of my life and my career at this club and it’s a special place.

"I was proud to play for the club and proud to be part of their history. I wish them all the best for the rest of the season and I hope they go on and get their promotion because that's what the fans deserve and the club deserves.”

Nolan hailed the efforts of all of his players in Sunday’s stalemate but there were several that earned special praise, including his young wing-back duo.

He added: “There were lots of good things to come out of the game - Joe Wormleighton and Jack Perkins were brilliant, and Nesta Guinness-Walker has played all four games after Christmas, which is a fantastic effort.

"The two central midfielders have had to keep churning it out game after game because we lost Cam (McGeehan) and we lost Tyrese (Fornah) and they've done brilliantly and I'm really pleased for everyone. I'm delighted with the group, I'm just disappointed with the authorities above them for not looking after us.”