DERIK Osede is sure Wanderers can cope without suspended skipper Jay Spearing and pass promotion tests against Bradford City and Sheffield United.

Late victory over Rochdale on Tuesday night was sullied by the news Spearing had picked up a 10th booking of the season for booting the ball high into the stands in celebration of the winning goal.

While Derik acknowledges the midfielder is one of the Whites’ most influential players – he is also confident there is a hunger among those looking for an opportunity which could work in Phil Parkinson’s favour as he returns to Valley Parade tomorrow afternoon.

“It is going to be a big miss not having Jay in the team,” he told The Bolton News. “But we have good players who can come into that position. Any player who replaces Jay will do it well.

“He is important, he is the captain and the main leader in the team, but I have no doubt that we can still win games of football without him.”

Wanderers have been without Spearing for three league games this season and have lost twice, at Walsall and Peterborough.

His absence is likely to mean a chance for Tom Thorpe alongside Josh Vela and Liam Trotter in midfield.

Derik’s own return in a three-man back line has been a successful one and Parkinson admitted himself on Tuesday night he must “find a way” to have the in-form Spaniard in his team. And whether that is at centre-half, central midfield or right-back, the 23-year-old former Real Madrid man is bustling with confidence.

“I can play wherever the gaffer wants but when I was in Spain I was centre-back. Here is a different type of football, players have more physical strength, so I have to change myself and I feel comfortable playing with three at the back,” he said.

“Wheats and Beevers are very good defenders. We are doing a good job, I think.

“Every player is training well, we are fit, and every player who comes into the team at the moment feels like they can do well.

“The gaffer has got to make difficult decisions but it is good for the team because everyone is mentally prepared to help.

“Trying to keep everyone happy is difficult. I was not happy when I was not playing but you still need to be prepared.

“We are enjoying football at the moment, especially when we are winning. This is a good dynamic. We have a team that can do big things this season.”

Tuesday night’s gritty win at home to Rochdale may have taken a little of the pressure off Parkinson’s return to Bradford, given it put six points between the clubs and Wanderers still have a couple of games in hand.

Victory at Valley Parade, however, could put the Whites back into the top two – as second-placed Scunthorpe United face the unenviable task of facing leaders Sheffield United at Bramall Lane.

Wanderers make the same trip next weekend but Derik talks excitedly about the upcoming challenges.

“We are in a good position,” said Derik. “If we continue this way I think we will have good things at the end of the season.