Sam Allardyce has hailed former Newcastle star Gary Speed as the ideal role model for the modern professional.
Despite reaching the ripe old age of 36, Speed has been handed a new two-year contract by Bolton, reward for two seasons of outstanding service since his arrival from United.
The Wales international has been a major influence behind successive top-10 finishes for the Trotters.
And Allardyce believes there is plenty to be learned from the way Speed has looked after his body throughout an illustrious career which now almost spans three decades.
"Gary is a role model," said Allardyce. "His professionalism, attitude and sheer love for the game is obvious for all to see.
"It is great credit to Gary, and the way he has looked after himself, that he is still able to operate effectively, in the most physically demanding league in the world, at 36.
"He deserves this two-year contract purely because of what he has done over his previous two years with us.
"Hopefully, he will continue to help us be a success in the Premiership."
As one of only 12 senior outfield players available to Allardyce, Speed is virtually guaranteed a place in Bolton's starting line-up to face Fulham at Craven Cottage tomorrow.
Such a chronic lack of numbers is one of the major reasons why the Bolton boss remains active in the transfer market as the August 31 deadline inches closer.
Allardyce is confident of completing an £8m move for Nicolas Anelka at some stage over the next week, with the Bolton boss convinced he can head off any potential problems with the striker.
"If you are a good manager, and I believe I am, you believe you can deal with it before it becomes a problem," added Allardyce.
