'No regrets' from beaten Megson

Megson rested striker Nicolas Anelka - who has been strongly linked with a move to Chelsea - and watched as the Trotters went down 1-0 to Coca-Cola Championship side Sheffield United at the Reebok Stadium.

"A lot of clubs have done this. The disappointment is that a number of players did not take the chance given to them," he said.

The Bolton boss made seven changes in all from the team that had defeated Derby in midweek and was disappointed at the way his fringe players had responded.

However, he refuted suggestions Anelka was absent because he would have been cup tied or on his way out of the club.

"There has been no official approach from anyone for Nic, " said Megson. "We made a number of changes and the other players came into the same category as him."

David Carney's first goal for United in the 42nd minute was enough to separate the two sides. It was Bolton's first home defeat under Megson but he said: "I do not regret making those changes.

"We picked a team with an eye on what has gone on with most of the players having a lot of games in a short space of time.

"They are highly-paid Premier League squad members, who did not rise to the challenge.

"There was an assumption from one two there will be another chance and you can't do that."