DEAN Holdsworth is still struggling to make his Reebok return in Saturday's relegation six-pointer against Southampton.

Wanderers' record signing is close to being fully fit after being sidelined with a shin injury but he cut short a training session yesterday, still complaining of discomfort.

Colin Todd hasn't yet ruled Holdsworth out of the Saints clash but he described the £3.5 million striker's condition today as "not quite right".

"It's not a major concern but he still has a little inflamation on his shin," the manager explained. "He trained with us but didn't finish the full session but it's too early to judge whether he will be fit for Saturday."

Holdsworth has missed five games since suffering the injury, just below his knee, in a training ground accident on the eve of the Premiership clash with Derby on December 14.

During his injury lay-off he has served a two-match suspension for amassing five bookings.

Wanderers' No 1 keeper Keith Branagan looks certain to return. He too has missed five games with a groin injury suffered in the 3-1 defeat at Blackburn on Dec 6.

Full-back Mike Whitlow was today having a scan on his knee to determine the extent of the damage suffered in Saturday's FA Cup defeat at Barnsley. X-rays taken at the weekend showed no serious damage.

Tonight's Reserve game against Notts County, scheduled for Leigh's Hilton Park ground, has been postponed because of a waterlogged pitch.

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