Sven-Goran Eriksson has urged Sam Allardyce to ignore the critics who condemn his long ball tactics.

Although he is now at Newcastle, Allardyce's reputation as one of the most progressive managers in England was forged at Bolton, who he steered into Europe twice but are now struggling badly in his absence.

Yet his illustrious spell at the Reebok Stadium was dogged by allegations of gamesmanship and the style of play he indoctrinated into his team.

Arsene Wenger and Rafael Benitez were among those who rubbed Allardyce up the wrong way, a dislike he felt was more to do with the fact Bolton had a reputation for beating Arsenal and Liverpool which their managers did not like.

But, as they prepare to lock horns for the first time in Premier League combat, Allardyce can expect no such brick-bats from Eriksson.

The Swede may prefer the free-flowing 'beautiful game' but that does not mean he puts style over substance.

''If you are a manager, you are always criticised for one reason or another,'' said Eriksson.

''But I don't think Sam listens to it.

''What he has done is get some exceptionally good results with Bolton. He got them into Europe as well, so you can only admire him for that.

"At the end, who cares about his style of football?

''In any case, I have seen tapes of Newcastle and Bolton and they do play good football.

"The point is, they do what they are good at. Isn't that supposed to be what a manager is there to do?''

''Sam Allardyce is a fox. He will prepare every detail of this game.

"He will make life difficult for us, I am sure about that and we will have to play well and defend better than we did at Fulham if we want to win.''