COLIN Todd has a defensive crisis on his hands as Wanderers prepare for Sunday's Sky TV showdown at QPR.

Key defender Gerry Taggart has joined the list of casualties crowding the Burnden treatment room after picking up hamstring injury in the closing stages of Saturday's 3-1 victory over Norwich.

And with skipper Gudni Bergsson already out of the reckoning and full-back Scott Green struggling, the Burnden boss was left hoping for some positive fitness news for a change.

Bergsson, who has missed the opening three games with an achilles problem, was pencilled in for a return in the reserves at home to Sheffield Wednesday tonight but Todd says he is will not be ready for a senior recall at the weekend.

Steve McAnespie has been withdrawn from the Pontins League line-up and placed on standby as cover for Green, who is under intensive treatment for a groin problem.

Taggart's injury could cause Wanderers major problems, though. His early-season form alongside Chris Fairclough at the heart of the Bolton back four has been a revelation.

"There is a chance Gerry could be fit by Sunday," Todd said hopefully. "It's only a slight problem, which he picked up late in the Norwich game. But, with Gudni still not ready, we're having to keep our fingers crossed."

Meanwhile, Todd has dismissed a report that he is lining up a bid for Middlesbrough's £2 million-rated Jamie Pollock.

He did make a tentative enquiry for the out-of-contract midfielder at the end of last season when Leeds and Aston Villa were also interested. But he quickly turned his attention elsewhere and the arrival of Danish duo Per Frandsen and Michael Johansen has left him satisfied with his midfield options.

"There's no truth whatsoever in the suggestion that I want Jamie Pollock," Todd said categorically. "I'm very happy with my midfield. In fact, I'm happy with the squad in general although I would make a move into the transfer market, if the right players became available.

"I think people are are just trying to spend our money for us."

Wanderers' impressive start to the season has seen their championship odds slashed from 14-1 to 5-1 by Ladbrokes. William Hills have announced a more conservative shift, from a pre-season 12-1 to 9-1.

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