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.