WANDERERS are keeping their fingers crossed on midfielder Karl Henry – who could be fit-again in time to face Ipswich Town this weekend.

The influential ball-winner has missed the last two games in league and cup after hobbling off with a hamstring problem in the New Year’s Day win over Hull City.

Whites’ medical staff have traced the problem to a nerve in his back and it is hoped the 34-year-old could be involved in training as the week progresses.

Parkinson faces an issue in his midfield with Saturday’s re-shuffle failing to pay off at Brentford.

Josh Vela was dropped to a deeper role alongside Derik Osede, with debutant Harry Charsley handed a debut just 24 hours after his loan move from Everton was confirmed.

Jem Karacan – named on the bench at Griffin Park - looked to impress the watching manager in the Under-23s’ game against Sheffield United at Leyland last night. Stephen Darby and Craig Noone also featured from the start to gain match fitness.

Meanwhile, Parkinson was happy with what he got from Charsley after plunging the midfielder in for his first start at Brentford on Saturday.

The 21-year-old started his first-ever league game at Brentford before being replaced on 55 minutes by Will Buckley and the Whites boss believes there is plenty more to come.

“It was a big ask of him but he did well, showed a lot of tactical understanding,” he said.

“I think he’s a player who’s got the ability to arrive in the box. It didn’t happen for him there (at Brentford) but he did a lot of good things and I was pleased for him.”