Diouf is new king at Bolton

El Hadji Diouf is looking to put controversy behind him and focus on starring for Bolton.

The Senegalese striker has been embroiled in spitting incidents during his time in English football, although after his match-winning assist against Arsenal the focus has shifted onto his qualities as a player.

Under Gerard Houllier's tenure as Liverpool boss the 24-year-old was consistently deployed out of position and became a fringe figure at Anfield.

However Allardyce has again worked his magic touch and rejuvenated the career of Diouf, who is looking to cut down the unfavourable public image surrounding himself.

"Before I came here from Liverpool everyone tells you Dioufy is a bad boy, going out all the time and spitting," Diouf told Sky Sports News.

"I don't know why I don't go out every time, my family is here, my Dad is here, I am just happy in life."

Diouf was signed after an impressive World Cup in 2002, although was unable to recapture any of this form whilst at Liverpool, and it is only now that he is really making a name for himself for the right reasons in The Premiership.

Bolton assistant coach Phil Brown has also been delighted with Diouf's form, even going as far to suggest that the forward could usurp cult figure Jay-Jay Okocha as the fans' favourite.

"The players on the park are looking for Dioufy now and the fans are looking for Dioufy to perform," said Allardyce's right hand man.

"I think in the last three or four games he's performed to the highest order.

"It could be a battle between him and Jay Jay as to who's the king out there."