Skipper Chris Westwood will more than likely be missing for Saturday’s crunch encounter at Bescot.

Westwood picked up a hamstring injury in training and is likely to be replaced in the side by either Ian Roper, or Anthony Gerrard, who is reportedly fit again. Of course, Merson may decide to play both, resurrecting the successful centre back partnership from the end of last season.

Meanwhile, ‘Keeper Andy Oakes is still suffering from a great deal of discomfort with his wrist injury, which is not clearing up. Oakes has had similar problems before, whilst at Derby, and that led to him losing his place in the starting line up there. He has decided to see the same consultant who treated him on the last occasion, at the Derbyshire Royal Infirmary.

The news about Oakes means that Everton’s England under 19 International Ruddy is likely to be here a while longer yet.