IT feels a little churlish to criticise Wanderers while they top the table and remain unbeaten but if it helps to produce a positive reaction at Walsall next weekend, I am happy to give it a go.

Apart from Mark Howard fantastic one-handed save to deny Keiran Agard from the penalty spot there was nothing remarkable about the Whites in their 1-1 draw with MK Dons.

In possession the midfield was too static, neither full-back had the drive to get forward and beyond the visitors’ defence and Jamie Proctor looked shattered leading the fight up front on his own in the final stages and needed more help.

These are all eminently fixable issues. Both Lewis Buxton and Andrew Taylor have the nous to improve on Saturday’s outing, though Lawrie Wilson and Dean Moxey may feel a good week in training could further their case for a recall.

In attack, Parkinson has options to help out Proctor, even though they have been slimmed down considerably through injury.

Sammy Ameobi looks a wildcard. His second-half introduction against the Dons and Southend a week earlier improved the chances of a goal but his unpredictability makes me wonder how regular his starts will be.

Chris Taylor has yet to catch fire in a Wanderers shirt. His educated left foot is a big asset with so many aerial threats in the team but, in truth, he has not looked sharp enough since he came in to warrant a regular starting spot.

With Jay Spearing suspended and a bit of freshening up to do in attack, this weekend’s game at Walsall could be a chance for a few players to step forward and show they deserve to share the spotlight currently shining on the Macron.