GARETH Farrelly could get his wish this week with a second chance to re-establish himself in Sam Allardyce's survival squad.

The Republic of Ireland international, close to becoming the 'forgotten man', came from nowhere to play a prominent role as Wanderers went within seconds of knocking Arsenal out if their Championship stride and it looks like he will get the nod again for Saturday's Reebok clash with Southampton.

Farrelly was almost too embarrassed to discuss the "freak" 47th minute goal that deceived David Seaman and had bloodthirsty tabloid writers looking for fuel to fire the England keeper's shame at the latest in a catalogue of calamities.

But he was happy to talk of the satisfaction of justifying his selection in his first Premiership start since February.

"I'm pleased with my performance," said the midfielder, who only got his chance because of injuries that ruled out Ricardo Gardner and Kevin Nolan, "but one game, one goal, means nothing. It's my first game of the season and, having been so frustrated watching, I'm just glad to be on the pitch again.

"Nobody likes watching. It's the most frustrating time I've had and now I've got to try and stay in the team and do well. But it could all change next week ... I don't know."

Chances are that with no sign of the injury situation easing, Farrelly could get an unexpected, extended run in the side, having been tipped to be on his way out at the Reebok for the past six months.

"He was outstanding," the manager said. "He did ever so well.

"He's had to wait patiently for his chance having not been in the side or even in the squad but he's staked a claim to get himself a first team place on a regular basis with performances like that.

"If he keeps that up there's no way I can keep him out of the side."

Farrelly's equaliser, which he admitted was a "freak", was his first senior goal since his opener in the 3-0 Play-off Final triumph over Preston at Cardiff in May last year.

Asked if he thought Seaman's blunder might steal his thunder, he added matter-of-factly: "That doesn't bother me. I don't care how goals come - a goal's a goal. All I'm concerned about now is trying to stay in the team."