Bolton captain Kevin Nolan says that he is unaffected by
speculation linking him with some of The Premiership's biggest
names.
Manchester United, Arsenal and Tottenham are all rumoured to be
interested in the 24-year-old after he enjoyed a thoroughly
successful campaign last year.
"It doesn't bother me," Nolan said.
"It only affects me when my mum comes in and says 'are you moving
to Manchester United?'
"I think she's starting to believe the papers now, so I'll have to
explain that it's just a way of filling them up."
Such an exemplary season in Wanderers' midfield was widely expected
to be rewarded with a place in England's World Cup squad this
summer, but Nolan says he was not bitter about staying at
home.
"I can honestly say I did not once wish I was there," he
said.
"I had a brilliant summer with my missus and a few of the lads, so
it never entered my mind.
"I just enjoyed watching the World Cup. It's something you have to
enjoy. It was a fantastic occasion."
With Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard seemingly first choice in the
centre of the England midfield, and with Owen Hargreaves and
Michael Carrick as back-up, it appears that breaking into Steve
McClaren's squad may be a difficult task, but that does not rule
out Nolan's international chances.
Nolan is eligible to play for the Republic of Ireland thanks to his
grandparents, and it is an avenue that he is willing to discuss
with manager Steve Staunton.
"I've spoken to Steve a couple of times," he revealed.
"He has been to watch some of our matches, although he was
obviously watching Joey [O'Brien] too.
"But it's something we've chatted about, and something we will have
to discuss more in depth, but it's probably a long way off."
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