SAM Allardyce voiced his concern today over the appointment of David Elleray to referee Sunday's FA Cup semi-final. The Wanderers' boss has no axe to grind with the public school headmaster but he believes recent run-ins with Wembley rivals Aston Villa could have put him on the spot before a ball has been kicked.

Villa boss John Gregory stopped short of lodging an official objection but greeted Elleray 's appointment with dismay after having scathingly criticised the experienced Harrow-on-the-Hill official twice this season.

Allardyce fears the pre-match pressure could affect the referee's performance.

"It looks to me like John Gregory is using a bit of psychology by questioning Mr Elleray's appointment," he explained. "I hope that's not the case.

"In my own mind, I sometimes have a little bit of doubt about a Premiership referee refereeing a Premiership side against a Football League side but I hope that's not an issue.

"Actually, I hope we don't even notice David Elleray and I certainly hope the game doesn't hinge on any decision of his or any of the officials and is won fair and square by the best team on the day or by the team which makes the most of its chances." Gregory villified Elleray for his decision at the Stadium of Light in October when he awarded a penalty against wing-back Mark Delaney when Sunderland striker Niall Quinn had clearly handled the ball. Leading 1-0 at the time, Villa went on to lose 2-1.

Having been critical of the Harrow official when he penalised David James for time-wasting in an earlier Premiership defeat at Arsenal, Gregory described the Sunderland decision as "outrageous", adding: "He can drive away happy to have made another controversial decision while the rest of us have to pick up the pieces."

Meanwhile, Wanderers stepped up their Wembley preparations with their first training session of the week yesterday afternoon.

Allardyce is hoping the three internationals who missed the session will return unscathed from tonight's internationals. Paul Ritchie and Allan Johnston are on duty with Scotland for their friendly against France while Claus Jensen is looking to collect his first senior cap for Denmark in their friendly in Portugal. With skipper Mike Whitlow free from suspension and Jimmy Phillips having been passed fit after calf trouble, the manager is looking for a favourable fitness report on Paul Warhurst giving him even more options in his semi-final squad.

Ruled out, to all intents and purposes, after suffering a gash in his calf in last week's 2-0 victory over Sheffield United, the versatile Warhurst has worked his way back into contention for a return to the holding midfield role he has played so well.

The next 48 hours will be crucial and, provided there is no problem of infection as a consequence of the wound having been 'stapled', he will be in the reckoning.

"There's a huge risk of infection," physio Mark Leather acknowledged, "but Paul has been working hard on his fitness and, if he can train on Friday or Saturday, he'll be ready to be included in the squad. Then it's up to the manager."

Wanderers have scrapped admission charges for tonight's reserve team game against Everton at the Reebok and the ticket office will be open up to kick off time (7pm) for the sale of Wembley tickets.

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