Big Sam happy with Iranian

ITV - Bolton manager Sam Allardyce praised Iranian Andranik Teymourian after his brace led Wanderers to victory over Doncaster.

This third-round tie at Doncaster's new £32million Keepmoat Stadium was a possible banana skin for the Premiership side, but Allardyce still made seven changes and saw Andranik steal the show.

The Iran international, snapped up by Allardyce in the summer on the back of his performances at Germany 2006, scored two well-taken goals, one in each half - Kevin Davies and Idan Tal were also on target in the first period - and looked a class act throughout.

"He took his chances superbly well," said Allardyce. "His two goals were terrific after running from deep positions, he's a great athlete.

"It's taken him a long time to settle down here with the different cultures, not speaking the language too well and being on his own.

"But the lads get on well with him and he's enjoying his football a little better and today was an expression of that.

"If he continues like that then we could have a player on our hands to put in and play in the Premiership now and again throughout the season.

"We spotted him in the World Cup and he's one of those risks you take as a manager that doesn't cost you too much.

"He cost us a few hundred thousand euros or dollars and was playing in Iran."

Allardyce confirmed many of his established stars had been rested after playing four games in 10 days and was quick to praise some other players after his side taught Doncaster a footballing lesson.

"We don't have the biggest of squads, but the players' contribution has been terrific, the likes of Ando, Idan Tal, Quinton Fortune and Ricardo Vaz Te.

"We've come and put up a great show and we're happy to be in the hat for the next round and we look forward to the draw."

Allardyce felt Rovers' impressive new home - they won their first match at the Keepmoat against Huddersfield on New Year's Day - had favoured his own side.

"From our point of view I was really happy we played here.

"We had a great stadium, a great pitch and a great atmosphere and at the old ground it could have been a bit daunting for some of our players, particularly the foreign players.

"If they had gone out in the old type of surroundings I think it would have been more difficult.

"But it's great stadium and I hope this doesn't spoil it for them.

"It's almost like playing away from home all the time when you first move into a new stadium."

But when asked if things could have panned out differently at the old ground, Doncaster manager Sean O'Driscoll did not agree.

He said: "I thought we were brave in what they tried to do, but they were just bigger, faster, stronger and I've no complaints.

"When Bolton were 4-0 up they had 10 men behind the ball all working for each other when they didn't have to.

"We can take a lot from learning how they have got where they've got. I thought they were excellent.

"If we can learn our lessons and progress from having played against them then we'll be a better side for it."