WANDERERS are keeping their fingers crossed for good news on skipper Jay Spearing after the midfielder underwent a scan on a groin injury last night.

Phil Parkinson was forced into a late change before Saturday’s 3-1 win over Port Vale after Spearing suffered a groin strain in the warm-up.

It was hoped yesterday that the problem would not be a serious one, although the 27-year-old is still considered unlikely to be involved in this weekend’s FA Cup first round clash with Grimsby Town.

Parkinson may have to shuffle his pack against the Mariners, with Josh Vela also suspended for one game after picking up a fifth league caution of the campaign at the weekend.

Permission will be sought to play loanees James Henry and Sammy Ameobi, while Jamie Proctor and Keshi Anderson have also been waiting for their opportunity.

Chris Taylor made a statement with two goals for the Under-23s in a 4-1 win over Hull City on Monday night. And Max Clayton played for 81 minutes of the game – raising the hope that he could play some part in Saturday’s clash at the Macron.

Parkinson has tended to change his goalkeeper for the cup competitions and has been delighted with the attitude shown by Ben Alnwick since he came in from Peterborough United.

“We’re pleased with Ben and Mark (Howard). We wanted two keepers to drive each other on and that’s what you are seeing at the moment,” he told The Bolton News. “The standard is very, very high in training.

“They are both good keepers. Mark has the shirt at the moment and he knows each week he’s got to take his game to another level. It might not be about making spectacular saves, it might just be calm and consistent, and that is what he has been doing. He has a real will to win, which is infectious.

“The most important thing for me and the staff is that he and Ben are good professionals and the more of those you can get at a club, the more it filters through.

“I need role models. We have got some good young keepers coming through and when they see our two keepers training as they do every day, Bolton Wanderers will reap the benefits from it in the future.”