Sam Allardyce is concerned that the African Nations Cup tournament could put a block on the team’s progress this season.

And the manager has made it clear as a result he won’t be making any comment on our seasonal targets until it is over.

Addressing the media this morning the usual questions about where we could finish arose but the boss made it clear January/February and the African tournament could have a possible effect.

With Cheik Kouyate and Diafra Sakho almost certain to be called up and Cameroon’s Alex Song another possible, the manager is worried.

He said: “We might have a little worrying spell during the Africa Cup of Nations in January, that’s why I’m not prepared to do any more predictions until they come back.”