Megson rates the former Chelsea favourite's feats at Stamford Bridge above the achievements of Eric Cantona, Dennis Bergkamp and Thierry Henry since the formation of the breakaway league in 1992.

Furthermore, he believes the little Italian can transmit his success as a player to the managerial dug-out following his recent appointment as West Ham boss.

Megson takes his side to Upton Park on Sunday and has backed Zola to bring long-term stability to the east London club.

Scrutinising West Ham's Premier League pedigree - they were relegated in 2003 and came perilously close to suffering the same fate in 2007 - Megson said: "West Ham go on about the tradition that they've got - the passing and moving and all this kind of stuff - but it hasn't always been successful.

"They've been relegated quite a few times.

"But if Zola is anywhere near as good a manager as he was a player then he's going to be a real class act.

"He's a good bloke and as a footballer I think he was one of the top three imports that came into the Premier League.

"You had Bergkamp, Ruud Gullit and Jurgen Klinsmann, who all raised the standard, but I think the top one was Gianfranco Zola.

"He didn't come over here with the biggest reputation but I just think the way he played, and the way he conducted himself, made him a real shining light.

"He was fantastic for the game and in management he has started really well."

Zola has won both of his league outings since being installed as Alan Curbishley's successor and a third straight win at Bolton's expense would turn up the heat on Megson.

The Trotters have claimed a dismal four-point haul in their opening six games and have not won since the opening day of the season.

Yet Megson, who saved the club from relegation last season after being appointed at the Reebok 12 months ago, is refusing to panic.

"Being under pressure is nothing new and has always been the case here," he said.

"It's always been simmering but it's just the way things are nowadays.

"Society has changed a little bit - if something is not working then people will get rid and start again.

"There's a lot of things happening behind the scenes and it's not always as black and white as people imagine.

"The only way that you can get it to go elsewhere is by winning football matches.

"This club, in my view, is going through a huge transitional period which will take quite a while.

"Sam (Allardyce) was here for nearly eight years, but it takes time to change things."

Megson has a full-strength squad available for the trip to the capital.