WANDERERS are ready to put behind them a week of distraction and train their focus back on a Uefa Cup spot.

The race for the three available European positions has now reached frenetic pace - not that you would have noticed around the Reebok Stadium, where attentions have understandably diverted by Sam Allardyce's departure and Sammy Lee's coronation as the new Whites chief.

Last weekend's point at Stamford Bridge would, on any other weekend, have been considered a massive step towards another campaign on the continent.

But after Reading, Portsmouth, Tottenham and Portsmouth all picked up victories in the last five days - the margin for error is getting ever smaller.

Just two points cover five teams between fifth and ninth, and Blackburn boss Mark Hughes insists his own side have not given up hope of clinching eighth position - and a spot in the Intertoto Cup.

Those Wanderers fans looking for good omens, though, may have been lifted with the news that two of their European rivals will have to each do without one of their most talismanic figures.

Everton and England are now resigned to losing top scorer Andrew Johnson for the rest of the season, after it emerged yesterday that he will require surgery on an injured ankle.

Portsmouth, too, have lost an influential figure, with veteran defender Sol Campbell sidelined for at least a fortnight with an Achillies problem.

Reading, however, seem non-plussed with the notion of European football despite being the form side going into the final two games of the season.

Manager Steve Coppell has threatened to play his reserves in Europe next season to avoid the competition having an impact on his side's league form.

Coppell said: "I've said all along my reasons for not thinking it would be a good time for Europe but if it happens, it happens."

Now Wanderers and their debutant boss Lee now have to settle down quickly in order to forge a positive result at resurgent West Ham and keep ahead of the chasing pack.