SAM Allardyce has paid tribute to the backroom boys who are keeping Wanderers on course for Europe.

While Liverpool manager, Rafael Benitez, has been seriously handicapped by injuries ahead of the Anfield "six-pointer", the Reebok boss's only problem is how to get the best out of his in-form, fully-fit squad.

Some would suggest that is simply down to the luck of the draw, but Allardyce insists there is much more to it than that.

He said: "We haven't suffered the injuries they have. But that's not because we are lucky, it's because we are very good at what we do.

"It's down to the medical staff's injury prevention policy, which is a major bonus for the club.

"We've been working that way in the Premiership for the last four years, having the oldest average-age squad but also one of the fittest."

Nicky Hunt is the latest player to benefit from the quality, fast-track treatment now on offer at the Reebok.

The young right-back had been a major doubt for the Anfield game after picking up a knee injury playing for England U21s against Germany last Friday.

But Allardyce expects him to be fit to face Liverpool in a game that could see Wanderers move to within two points of fourth-placed Everton.

"When it comes down to rehab, we leave no areas uncovered and that speeds up the recovery process," Allardyce said.

Liverpool have suffered a catalogue of injury problems in recent games, leaving them without Dietmar Hamann, Xabi Alonso, Harry Kewell and Neil Mellor while Fernando Morientes and Stephen Warnock are doubtful.

"Liverpool have been unlucky. I saw a strange scenario where four of their players got injured in the first half against Everton and they had to make three subs, leaving Garcia to limp through the rest of the game.

"I don't know how serious their injuries are but they have their problems and if we do face a lesser or weakened Liverpool side, it will give us a greater opportunity to get a result," Allardyce said.