SAM Allardyce conducted a casualty head count today to explain why he was so desperate to reinforce his defensive ranks before the transfer deadline.

The Wanderers' boss revealed that three of his regular back four - Simon Charlton, Bruno N'Gotty and Gudni Bergsson - plus utility man Paul Warhurst have all missed training this week.

He expects all four to be available for next Wednesday's Old Trafford derby but voiced his frustration at being unable to involve key players in his training sessions.

"They have all been out of the equation this week when I could really have done with a full week's training with the full squad," Allardyce explained.

"As usual, managers whose players are fit are complaining about them being on international duty this weekend. I wouldn't mind one or two of mine being away if I knew they were all fit."

The injuries - N'Gotty has been carrying an achilles problem for some time, Bergsson is resting a knee injury and Simon Charlton (groin) and Paul Warhurst (head injury) had to be substituted before half-time in Sunday's victory over Villa - have underlined the need for experienced back-up, which prompted the manager to strengthen his squad last week.

As well as his long-time target Ivan Campo, Allardyce secured a second deadline-day recruit when he signed former Watford, Sheffield United and Birmingham centre-back David Holdsworth - Dean's twin brother - on a month-to-month contract.