By Mark Heys
October 16 2005

Veteran striker Les Ferdinand has warned the Wanderers that Besiktas will be no pushovers ahead of Thursday's UEFA Cup second round clash in Istanbul. Ferdinand has represented both teams during an illustrious 18-year career and he beleives that the Turks will realish the opportunity of testing themselves against a club currently riding high in England's top flight.

"They can expect to be up against a very good side with good technical ability and a pretty hostile environment." said Ferdinand who spent part of last season with Bolton.

"They are very passionate supporters but they have a high regard for English football. This is what they like to test themselves against. They regard the Premiership as one of the highest levels of football and they will be up for the challenge."

However the 38-year old feels that the Trotters will be boosted by their experiences of the first leg win over Bulgarian outfit Lokomotiv Plovdiv in Bourgas a few weeks ago.

"It will be tough but I was at Bolton for six months and I am sure they will be capable of dealing with it. I think the younger players will have been helped by being involved in the previous UEFA Cup round and that will have been a good experience for them.

"I know Sam and his backroom staff will be using all their expertise to prepare the players well for the game.

"I really enjoyed my time in Turkey, it was a great experience and I have often said that was my apprenticeship in football."

Ferdinand made 12 league appearances for Bolton and nearly put his name down in Wanderers folklore when scoring a last gasp goal against arch rivals Manchester United a year ago. He has since moved to Watford after a short spell with Reading in the Spring of this year.