BEN Alnwick could be missing until after the October international break after aggravating a groin injury.

The Wanderers keeper pulled out of the squad to face Derby County on Saturday after tests revealed a small tear in the muscle.

It is hoped last season's player of the year will not be side-lined for long - but Steve Parkin was impressed by his replacement, Remi Matthews, who came in for his first league start since signing from Norwich City.

“We know Remi is a good keeper and he played really well at Leeds in the cup," he said. "Unfortunately, Ben picked up an injury in the week – more of a niggling one over the course of a couple of weeks, really – but it was too risky to play him.

“But Remi has come in for an important game and he played really well."

Wanderers will run a few checks ahead of tomorrow night's trip to Stoke City. Winger Craig Noone is one of the doubts with a sore ankle but Parkin believes the result against the Rams should give the players a spring in their step when they return to the training ground.

“The important thing was to get the win, we’ll regroup on Monday and sort out the bumps and bruises knocking about," he said. "It’ll be about team spirit again at Stoke and that's certainly not a problem for us."