SAM Allardyce is banking on Colin Hendry being a major attacking force for Wanderers as the race for the Premiership reaches a nerve-jangling climax. But the Reebok boss has no plans to convert the veteran centre-half into a striker.

"I don't need to," Allardyce explained, "He's already an extremely aggressive attacker."

Hendry's four goals in the space of seven days for Scotland and Wanderers underlined his reputation as one of the most dangerous set-piece convertors in the business. And it was significant this week that Crewe boss Dario Gradi was determined to get his big centre-half, Dave Walton, fit for today's game at Gresty Road to combat the threat from the Braveheart.

But Big Sam - himself a formidable force in the opposition box in his playing days - reckons that's easier said than done. "I don't care who the opposition have got." he stresses, "I don't think anybody can stop him ... provided we get the delivery right.

"Colin is under instructions to get forward for all set-plays. He is brave, he attacks the ball and, if we put the right quality into the box, he'll score goals.

"I was disappointed he didn't score more than the one against Stockport. He could have had four and, if he had converted just one more chance, we'd have won the game. But I have to say I'm pleased that one of my centre-halves got so many chances."

The downside of Hendry regaining his scoring touch after drawing blanks at his two previous clubs - Coventry and Rangers - is that he is being singled out for special treatment. But that doesn't worry Allardyce.

"He's going to become a marked man," the manager acknowledged. "He's going to be picked out as the most dangerous asset we've got at set-plays and opponents are going to concentrate on stopping him. But, if they do that, it should create opportunities for other players!"