Speed happy for Bolton to be upsetters once again

Bolton have started getting results again and upsetting opponents because they have gone back to their roots, according to Gary Speed ahead of their vital Uefa Cup game against Red Star tonight.

Strikers Kevin Davies and El-Hadji Diouf have come in for criticism in recent weeks because of their apparently abrasive methods. Davies had a running battle with Patrice Evra in the home victory against Manchester United last month. Then Diouf was condemned for a challenge on Alvaro Arbeloa in the 4-0 defeat by Liverpool on Sunday.

Speed said: "This has come about because we have beaten Manchester United. Hopefully in the future we will be seen to be over-physical because we are winning games."

The veteran midfielder is adamant Bolton have not stepped over the line. "The referee is there to sort things out," he said. "So if we are over the top he will sort it out. Davies made one tackle against Manchester United that was it. But it was the fact we won the game there were issues afterwards."

Police have attempted to calm fears Bolton fans could get caught up in rioting at tonight's game in Belgrade. Wanderers travel to the Serbian capital less than a week since Red Star supporters seriously injured an undercover officer during their 1-1 draw with Hajduk Kula. The policeman was taken to hospital in a critical condition after reportedly being battered with burning flares and broken seats.

Bolton police's match commander, Chief Inspector Pete Matthews, explained that the scenes stemmed from an attempt by Belgrade police to change the way they manage football matches.

Around 500 Bolton supporters are expected to travel to the game and Inspector Matthews assured them they have nothing to fear as long as they behave sensibly.

He said: "The advice to fans is to take simple common sense precautions. Keep to tourist locations where there will be local police and Bolton police on hand to deal with any problems.

"If our fans behave as they have done in past European games and are patient when they are asked to wait by police, then they will be OK," Matthews added.

Supporters have been urged to keep within the "fortress area" of Belgrade, where there will be a large police presence.