West Ham 1-2 Bolton: The Daily Mirror match report

Owen Coyle's ­reputation will grow further if Bolton beat ­relegation but Kevin Davies is arguably the driving force behind the club’s recent revival.

Coyle was known as ‘God’ at Burnley before his decision to quit for Wanderers in the New Year.

And the Scot, who led the Clarets into the top flight on a shoestring is already delivering impressive results with his new club.

Bolton now lie 13th ahead of tomorrow’s game at Sunderland after victory at ­relegation rivals West Ham followed a vital win over Wolves in their previous game.

The Trotters, regarded as a primitive team under former boss Gary Megson, triumphed at Upton Park playing some enterprising football under Coyle.

But the catalyst for Bolton’s recent success is surely skipper and striker Davies, who scored his sixth of the season in the 10th minute before helping to set up on-loan Arsenal ace Jack Wilshere for the killer second. Uncapped Davies gave West Ham’s England defender Matthew Upson and team-mate James Tomkins a torrid ­afternoon.

His efforts have not yet yielded the 32-year-old veteran a call-up from England chief Fabio Capello but Davies is certainly appreciated by Bolton’s staff and fans.

And the star insists his priority right now is simply to ensure Bolton avoid relegation.

“Back-to-back wins are massive in this league,” said Davies.

“We targeted the next four games and we have won two of them – it is great for us.”

Davies nodded Bolton ahead from Lee Chung-Yong’s cross before Tomkins’ error let in Davies to help set up Wilshere’s volleyed finish.

Bolton remained in the ascendancy until they had Tamir Cohen sent off after 70 minutes.

Alessandro Diamanti pulled a goal back with a superb left-foot finish before Junior Stanislas hit the bar for the disappointing Hammers in injury-time.

But Davies also hit the woodwork for Bolton in a frantic finish before the visitors deservedly triumphed against ­Gianfranco Zola’s flops.

Davies’ brilliant display totally overshadowed the contribution of West Ham triker Carlton Cole, who has seven England caps.

And though his chances of going to South Africa appear very slim, Davies is not throwing in the towel yet. Trotters boss Coyle said: “I certainly hope Kevin has not given up on England.

“He would never ever let anybody down.

“And the form he’s in just now might give Mr Capello food for thought, if he wants to go with that type of player.”

Coyle admits his admiration for the former Chesterfield trainee has increased since taking charge at the Reebok.

“Having worked with him now and seen him on a daily basis, I can see he’s a top player,” he said.

“He’s comfortable with a ball to feet, he’s a powerful runner as well, and he has much more in his locker than some people perceive.

“If we can get him better service, he’s going to score even more goals.

“He’s a top player, a top man, and a great captain.”