He scored two stunning free kicks to help Bolton to a 5-2 win over Aston Villa in the first leg of the English League Cup semi-final on Wednesday.

Okocha admitted he had been under "massive pressure" after defying the Nigerian FA and delaying his departure to Tunisia in order to help Bolton take a huge stride into the final at the Millennium Stadium.

He said: "It has been a very difficult week for me, but I kept on pushing and believing I could help the team to be in a better position for when I come back.

"I was playing under massive pressure, but I am glad it is all over now."

He scored the first goal of the game at the Reebok Stadium after just two minutes with a brilliantly curled free kick over the Villa wall which left goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen rooted to the spot.

After Bolton raced into a three-goal lead, Villa struck back to make it 3-2, before Bruno N'Gotty's header improved Bolton's cushion and then Okocha produced a spectacular parting gift, hitting a swerving free kick from an angle that flew into the net at the near post.

Bolton are desperately hoping the 30-year-old midfielder will sign a new contract when he returns from Tunisia.

Manager Sam Allardyce said: "We have got to sign him up. He is an inspiration and probably the best player this club has ever seen, from a talent point of view. He is something to build the team around."