PHIL Parkinson says starting places are up for grabs in the Championship as he prepares to ring in the changes against Sheffield Wednesday in the cup tonight.

The Wanderers boss is planning to freshen up his team, which faces the second of three games in six days, but insists big performances could be rewarded with a starting place at Hull City on Friday night.

The likes of Aaron Wilbraham, Antonee Robinson, Derik Osede and Will Buckley are likely to come into play against the Owls, who have taken five points out of 12 in the league so far.

“I’m looking at it the same as the Crewe game in the first round,” Parkinson told The Bolton News. “There are still lads who need minutes and most teams involved will be utilising their squad.

“We know if we get through this round the bigger clubs who’ve been involved in Europe come in and there is a bit more excitement, so personally I want to be a part of that.

“If you are coming into a team which was beaten at weekend you have to be thinking ‘come on, I’ll show you I should be in that side.’

“We didn’t make changes on Saturday because I felt Birmingham had been our best performance of the season but let’s be honest - we haven’t won in four league games, places are up for grabs.”

Parkinson is urging his side to dust themselves off after defeat against Derby County on Saturday and yet more concerning headlines about the club’s ownership.

The Whites boss admits the likes of Wednesday, Leeds United and Derby are not going to be direct competitors in the Championship.

“We are in a mini-league - we’d love to be in a bigger section but everyone knows the situation we’ve been in and what’s happened over the summer so far, we are where we are,” he said.

“We are frustrated to concede four goals in two games at home. We know we can do better.

“But we have to make sure as staff and players that we move on quickly and recognise where we’re operating.”