WANDERERS could be forced to find a temporary fix at full-back after defensive problems started to pile up for Neil Lennon.

Kevin McNaughton will be unavailable for tomorrow night’s clash with his paretnt club Cardiff but was also a late withdrawal in the squad at Norwich because of a groin problem.

Chris Herd’s loan from Aston Villa has also expired – and doubts over the Australian’s troublesome Achilles have left Lennon unwilling to extend his deal for now.

Academy product Oscar Threlkeld was thrown in at the last minute at Carrow Road, drawing praise from his manager.

But with such a lack of cover Lennon could be forced to find a short-term loan in the next 24 hours to remedy the issue.

“We might have to look at it,” said the Wanderers boss. “Chris had an injury and was only on loan for a month anyway. I don’t know where we are with him, whether he’s fit to play or not.

“Kev (McNaughton) missed the game with a groin problem and won’t be able to play Tuesday anyway but Oscar (Threlkeld) came in and it was a really good test for the kid, he acquitted himself really well. That gives me encouragement going forward.”

Lennon has put the feelers out for a number of targets, some with the January window in mind, but admits finding the right players is becoming a test.

It is thought he will step up a bid for Norwich striker Gary Hooper now that the two sides have met – although the word from East Anglia is that Neil Adams is still reluctant to part with the former Celtic man.

“We’re trying – we’ve spoken to people but there’s not much out there at the minute,” said Lennon of his transfer chase.

“It is difficult and we don’t have the financial muscle that maybe other clubs have.

“But if I have to work with the players I have, good, it’s a good challenge for me.”

Lennon is keen to draw a line under Friday night’s defeat and the Northern Irishman has told his squad to focus entirely on the challenge posed by another recently-relegated Premier League outfit in Russell Slade’s Cardiff.

“As far as the players are concerned that’s it, done,” he said. “Me and the backroom staff will sit and analyse things to see what we can do better for Tuesday and Friday.”