WANDERERS face a major defensive headache after Lawrie Wilson limped out of Saturday’s 1-1 draw at MK Dons.

Phil Parkinson fears his only specialist right-back could be missing for a number of weeks with a hamstring injury.

Scans early this week will determine the exact length of his lay-off but with Lewis Buxton also struggling for fitness, the Whites boss may have to make-do for this weekend’s visit of Walsall.

“It doesn’t look good for Lawrie, he’s done his hamstring and that’s a real blow for us,” Parkinson said.

“It’s the one position we couldn’t afford an injury. We’ll have a think about things this week and see what we have got from within the squad.”

Parkinson could potentially sign a free agent, as there is one remaining spot in the squad quota as laid down by the Football League.

He revealed he would be inviting a trialist in to Lostock this week but admits the chances of finding a player ready to put straight into the side are slim.

“We have got a lad coming in on trial this week but it’s a long shot in itself,” he told The Bolton News. “Anyone coming in who hasn’t played for a long time is going to take a while to get up to speed. We are going to look at a couple of players but other than that, we can go what we’ve got.”

Wanderers also lost left-back Andy Taylor before kick-off at Stadium:mk to a groin injury.

The club has not yet ruled out his chances of playing next weekend but Parkinson has at least got cover in the position.

“Andy had a slight problem with his groin earlier in the week but trained Friday and was desperate to play,” the manager explained.

“When he came in from the warm-up he said he was feeling it – and there was no need to take a risk because Deano (Moxey) was there.”

Parkinson was also critical of referee David Coote’s decision making on Saturday.

“There was a big crowd and I think the referee was joining in with the party atmosphere for the first 20 minutes,” he said. “I was going mad on the touchline.

“He was booking Lawrie and Beevs for innocuous incidents and letting their players get away with murder. It only evened out at the end.”