Kevin Nolan is determined to keep Bolton's Barclays Premier League survival bid on course at Blackburn on Sunday but is also dreaming of European glory.

Nolan and his Wanderers team-mates battled against the odds to claim a 1-0 aggregate win over Atletico Madrid and reach the UEFA Cup last 16, where they will now face 2005 finalists Sporting Lisbon.

Before that, there is a short trip to Blackburn to think about, although Nolan admits another quick hop to the City of Manchester Stadium - venue for the 2008 UEFA Cup final - is also in his thoughts.

"I always thought that we would go far this season, I think we've got a good squad, a very talented squad," he said.

"I thought we would be doing better in the Premier League to be honest, but that's not to be.

"But these games, as you've seen in the past, bring out the best in some teams and hopefully this can be our year where we get the luck, where we get the fortune and we get through to the final.

"But that's a long way off and the main priority this week is now focusing on Blackburn and then maybe sit back and have a look at the week's achievement."

Bolton had the luxury of a weekend off between the first and second legs of their tie against Atletico, and the same will be true of the clashes against Sporting next month.

"That proved an advantage on Thursday night because we ran our socks off and we made if difficult for them, so hopefully we can get a good lead at our place, something to hold on to," Nolan added.

"I don't mean going to Sporting Lisbon and playing like this, I mean going to Sporting Lisbon and being more adventurous and being more as though we are going to go there and win the game.

"I certainly believe that this will put confidence in the lads' minds that we deserve to be among the elite and the best of Europe, underneath the Champions League of course."

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