FRank SAM Allardyce believes Wanderers' best chance of wrapping up the regular season with a win lies with fresh legs and enthusiasm.

"The players who played against Norwich, Barnsley and Wolves and took us so close to getting what we wanted, will have been bitterly disappointed after Wednesday night knowing they have been pipped at the post," the Reebok boss explained as he prepared to field a severely weakened side against Sheffield United tomorrow.

"The players who come in will be fresh and enthusiastic and determined to make the most of their chance.

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"Personally, I wish I wasn't playing any of the youngsters and we were going for three points to keep the pressure on Blackburn. But we are not.

"But at least I have a chance to test the youngsters against tough opposition - against a team that's tough physically as well as in quality terms."

Allardyce confirmed today that Dean Holden will figure in the game - his first senior appearance since breaking his leg, coincidentally, in the fixture against Sheffield United last season - along with former Bishop Auckland postman Jeff Smith who is playing for a full-time professional contract.

Mike Whitlow, Colin Hendry, Per Frandsen, Leam Richardson, Franck Passi, Kevin Nolan and Ian Marshall are also likely to figure.

"The lads who have played week in and week out have expanded their efforts and energies - mentally as well as physically," the manager explained. "They deserve a break before we start to prepare for the play-offs next week.

"I've not been too good myself this week - you can't be anything else but depressed when you see how close you've come. We kept the pressure on Blackburn, hoping they would crack but they didn't.

"I think the thing that disappointed me most was seeing Jonathan Macken hit the post in the last minute ... you always need that bit of luck but it's not just been luck with Blackburn, they have good players and they've had good results from Christmas onwards."