NICOLAS Anelka has assured Sam Allardyce that he is happy at the Reebok - angrily denying claims that he has been critical of Wanderers' playing style.

The French international, who was on target for his country in midweek, is furious that comments attributed to him by English newspapers suggested he had described Allardyce's tactics as "kick and rush".

But the record signing insists he is enjoying his life and his football with the Wanderers.

"I am adapting to the style that Bolton plays and I have no issues whatsoever with that style," he said.

"The style we play is winning football. There is a major emphasis on trying to score first and, most importantly, stopping the opposition from scoring. We do this very well. The players know the system inside out and the new players have to adapt quickly to the style of football the club operates.

"We pass and move the ball exceptionally well and, when appropriate, advance the ball quickly up the pitch to the front three.

"Whether I am playing with Kevin Davies, who gives you great protection with his presence, or the guile of Stelios and Diouf, all variations of play work fine for me."

Allardyce's only issue with Anelka, however, is his fitness. He returned from international duty with a slight thigh injury, raising doubts over his selection for tomorrow's game at Newcastle, although the player himself expects to be passed fit.

"I know Nicolas was very unhappy because he had been misquoted," the manager said, "But I read the whole article and I don't have a problem with it anyway. It's water off a duck's back to me.

"I know Nicolas is enjoying his life here and he's enjoying his football.

"We just want to give him a few more scoring chances so that he can produce more goals for us."

Anelka whose only strike for Wanderers since his £8million transfer from Fenerbahce came in the 3-1 Carling Cup win at Walsall, came off the subs' bench to score his eighth international goal in France's 5-0 victory over the Faroe Islands in a Euro qualifier on Wednesday.

Gary Speed has already predicted that the confidence Anelka gained from scoring for his country will spur him on to break his Premiership duck at St James', where Wanderers have not won since 1959. But Allardyce says he is prepared to wait.

"Patience is unusual in this game, but I have it and Nicolas has to learn not to get frustrated," the manager added.

"If in 10, 15 or 20 games he still has the same problem and we aren't winning games, then he may have a point. But, if he still hasn't scored and we've won more than we have lost, that will be good for the team. He will be frustrated, because strikers want to score goals and that's important for him.

"But he's improved with every game, he's realised how we play and what he needs to do. He knows we are not the biggest in the Premiership but he's really working hard to fit in.

"He's enjoying the victories like everyone else, what we want him to do now is enjoy winning and being a goalscorer.

"Like he says, he's sick of fighting the world. He just wants to enjoy playing his football. He told me that when I first met him in Paris in May, and I think I have a more mature person on my hands than the one some other managers had to deal with in the past.

"At 27 he was a massive signing for a club like ours, but, if it works out for him here, we could have a much bigger fee than that coming to us, if we sold him in the future."

Anelka, who describes Wanderers as "the most progressive club I have played for", says he has been unfairly portrayed by the media.

"There is a perception that I am moody and arrogant," he added.

"On the contrary, I am a very private person. I would even suggest I am very shy and quite introvert. Sometimes this can be construed as arrogance.

"It is annoying to be labelled as a sulk when this is not Nicolas Anelka.

"I like the simple things in life and football is a major part of my life - it is what I know best.

"My focus is on doing my best for Bolton Wanderers and making an impact at the club."