Jay-Jay Okocha has delayed his departure once again

That would make the Nigerian available for the Carling Cup semi-final first leg against Aston Villa on Wednesday.

The Nigeria Football Association expected Okocha to arrive at coach Christian Chukwu's Portuguese training camp this week in preparation for the tournament, which gets underway in Tunisia on 24 January.

"There is a possibility I will play against Villa because I have been fighting with the Nigerian Football Association," the Super Eagles captain told Bolton's in-house TV station after the 1-0 victory against Portsmouth.

"I have stayed until this time and I don't see what will change in the next few days.

"I have been in the national team almost 11 years and I expect them to give me something in return.

"It is better for them to reason with me. We don't have a big squad at Bolton, so it is very important I stay as long as I can.

"I don't see what effect I will have not being involved in Nigeria's preparation period.

"I expect them them to understand I have a role to play here. I think they are beginning to realise that."

A goal from Kevin Davies in the 52nd-minute gave Bolton three points at the Reebok Stadium.

Manager Sam Allardyce said: "We dug out a victory and we haven't done that for a long time."