West Ham United boss Sam Allardyce hails importance of Kevin Nolan

West Ham United manager Sam Allardyce believes that captain Kevin Nolan should not be underestimated by rival opposition.

The 30-year-old played a pivotal role in securing Premier League promotion for the Hammers last season and managed to salvage a point in their 1-1 draw with Sunderland on Saturday.

"No-one should underestimate Nolan," Sky Sports News quotes Allardyce as saying. "Look at his CV. Premier League, Premier League, Premier League - 10 goals, nine goals, 11 goals, nine goals etc.

"I hope [other clubs] underestimate him for the rest of the season and he will end up the joint-top scorer like at Newcastle."

Nolan moved to Upton Park from Newcastle United last year.