Bruised Akinfenwa's seen better days

27th August 2008

Northampton's Carling Cup hero has a dodgy knee, a bandage around his head to protect 12 stitches, not to mention having a steel rod removed from his leg in the summer.

In his own words Adebayo Akinfenwa resembles Frankenstein, and Bolton could not tame the monster last night. Now at his 10th club, he has won widespread affection after his brace in the Cobblers' 2-1 win propelled the League One side into the third round draw on Saturday.

"I am getting patched up all over the place. I've got a niggling knee problem which I'm going to see someone about tomorrow," he said.

"The head thing is just a superficial wound, it is just a battle scar," he added.

"Footballers get them all the time and my wife said I still look cute so I can't really complain. If I split my head, I try to come back on. Ever since I have been here the fans have shown me nothing but love.

"I heard them signing my name at Bolton and I try to repay them. This is one of the best moments of my career, certainly one of the happiest."

Akinfenwa made the breakthrough from the penalty spot in the 21st minute and extended their lead seven minutes later with a brave header before Kevin Nolan pulled a goal back.

The striker was in bits at the end of the 2-1 victory but insisted he will battle on - Tranmere are next up on Saturday.