COLIN Todd is running out of targets in his bid to strengthen Wanderers for the promotion push. The Reebok boss wants to borrow midfield re-inforcements for the run-in but he fears he may be frustrated in his efforts to recruit extra cover ahead of the March 25 transfer deadline.

He continues to scan the market, both at home and abroad but, with just nine more shopping days to go, he said today: "I've scoured everywhere for loans but clubs just don't want to let their players go."

Todd believes he has enough talent in his existing squad to live with the best in Division One but fears he could be depleted by injuries and suspension as the season reaches its climax. The loss of left back Mike Whitlow after an innocuous incident that caused him to limp out of Saturday's 2-1 victory over QPR is an illustration of how situations can change dramatically.

Whitlow was today waiting for the results of a scan on his damaged right knee.

"He'll certainly be out of Saturday's game (at Sunderland)," the manager confirmed. "But we need the specialist's report before we know the full extent of the injury. It's too early to be making predictions."

Robbie Elliott, rested and suspended for the last two games, is pencilled in for a recall at the Stadium of Light, where Wanderers are determined to underline their promotion credentials after slipping from second to fifth in the table in the space of three weeks.

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