Gardner to rescue for Bolton

Gary Megson paid tribute to Bolton goal hero Ricardo Gardner after he inspired a 2-0 victory over Manchester City to lift his side out of the Premier League relegation zone.

The Jamaica international, 30, replaced the injured Mustapha Riga just before half-time and applied the finishing touch to a low cross from Gretar Steinsson in the 77th minute.

It was Bolton's first goal for nearly six hours and Gardner then turned provider by crossing for City's Richard Dunne to put through his own net with two minutes remaining.

Megson, who was verbally abused by his own supporters in the two previous matches, was quick to acknowledge the contribution of Gardner.

The boss said: "Bibi [Gardner] is one of the nicest people that you'll ever meet and the only reason he's not been in the side is that Matty Taylor's set-pieces are very good."