PAUL Warhurst could make his first start of the season at the Reebok tomorrow when Wanderers set out to put the finishing touches to their Worthington Cup demolition job on Second Division Gillingham.

The classy utility man, fit again after a seven week injury lay-off, is in the frame as Colin Todd considers all his options for the second leg of a tie that was rendered a near-formality by last week's 4-1 win at Priestfield.

Warhurst went on as substitute in the second half of that game, as he had in the League game at Charlton four days earlier, and is in the reckoning for a place at centre-back when Andy Todd starts a three-match suspension with the home game against Nottingham Forest on Saturday

The manager, who will also be without skipper Mike Whitlow for the Forest game, had considered ringing the changes against Gillingham in order to rest a number of players. But he may favour keeping things on a relatively even keel.

Nevertheless, he still reckons certain regulars are in need of a break after a hectic and difficult start to the season.

"There are players who need a breather," he said, "and, not being disrespectful to Gillingham, having a 4-1 lead gives us an opportunity to do something different.

"But I don't have many options with my squad so I can't really make many changes."

Relieved

Todd, relieved to see Ricardo Gardner salvage a 2-2 draw with an 85th minute equaliser in Saturday's Roses battle with Barnsley, praised the Reebok crowd for showing patience during a game in which Wanderers started in scintillating form only to lose their way after a succession of missed chances.

"The crowd was excellent," he said. "They stuck by us because they knew we weren't playing badly.

"We came off at half time 3-1 down against Birmingham and got booed. But I think they saw the boys digging deep on Saturday."

Wanderers game at Wolves on Saturday, October 9 has been made all-ticket.

Molineux tickets went on sale to Bolton season ticket holders today with members able to purchase theirs from Wednesday and open sale starting on Friday

Tickets are priced £14 with concessions at £9.50.

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