Bolton Wanderers striker Kevin Davies claims that his teammates are no longer an ‘over-physical’ side.

The Bolton captain has often been criticised by Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson for over aggressive play against the Red Devils, who they face on Saturday.

Although Sam Ricketts, Tamir Cohen and Gretar Steinsson have all been sent off this month, Davies believes the decisions have been soft.

“We have had the red cards but we’ve got an honest bunch of lads and no one would go out to hurt someone intentionally,” he told The Bolton News.

“They have been soft sending's-off and I think our disciplinary record has been pretty good this season.

“We will look to give it a good go against [Manchester] United but we are not an over-physical side anymore.”

Davies currently sits top of the fouls table with 81 to his name, along with eight yellow cards.

The 33-year-old claims that the clash with North West rivals Manchester United is a game that he always looks forward to.

“The United game is one we can look forward to,” he said.

“Our home record has been pretty good lately so we have to approach it in the right way and play to our best. We can take something from the game. We can win.

“We have beaten them before and we’ve had good results against them at home before. We have made the Reebok a tough place to come to.”

Owen Coyle’s men sit 14th in the Premier League table, eight points clear of the relegation zone, and the Trotters will be looking to hinder United title push this weekend.