Jay-Jay Okocha has taken African 'brother' El-Hadji Diouf under his wing in an effort to keep the Senegalese forward out of trouble. Undoubtedly talented, Diouf's career has been littered with controversy.
The worst examples have been the spitting incidents which occurred at Celtic during his Liverpool days and just weeks after his arrival at Bolton last season when Portsmouth skipper Arjen de Zeeuw was his victim.
The 24-year-old may not be a stranger to trouble, but Bolton boss Sam Allardyce is standing by his man.
So too is Okocha, who feels a heavy sense of duty towards his fellow African.
As a high-profile member of the Premiership elite and arguably the best player ever to come out of Nigeria, Okocha knows how difficult it is to live life under the spotlight.
And the 31-year-old has decided to offer Diouf the benefit of his experience to try and ensure the striker hits the headlines only for the right reasons in future.
"El-Hadji is a marked man now," said Okocha.
"It is always easy to be critical of someone in that position.
"We all know he has a lot to learn but I believe he is doing well.
"I truly believe I have a big part to play in him becoming a better person and a better player.
"We are good friends and we talk a lot, to the extent I look upon him as my brother."
During a summer of struggle in the transfer market for Allardyce, Diouf has been his most notable signing.
Allardyce is now hoping Diouf can maintain the form which played such a pivotal role in Bolton securing a top-six spot and UEFA Cup football for the first time in their history last season.
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