MIKE Whitlow voiced his fears today as he prepared to take the next tentative steps along his personal disciplinary tightrope.

The experienced defender, whose centre-back partnership with Gudni Bergsson has been the key to Wanderers' early season success, is just one booking away from an automatic suspension which could cost him his place in the team.

Internationals Colin Hendry and Bruno N'Gotty have not had a look in at Premiership level up to now but they are waiting patiently and menacingly for a chance to stake their personal claims and Whitlow knows it.

"Unfortunately if I get a fifth booking and Colin or Bruno come in, I'm going to find it difficult to get back in," he told Touchline TV ahead of this afternoon's Reebok clash with Newcastle.

"They are both very good players."

Whitlow feels he has been hard done by on the disciplinary front - a claim powerfully supported by Sam Allardyce - but has no intention of letting the threat of suspension undermine his commitment.

"If I get booked I have to take it on the chin," he accepts. "But obviously the longer I can go without being suspended, the better."

Despite his disciplinary problems, Whitlow could not be putting up a stronger case for a new deal when his current contract expires at the end of the season.

Now 33, he is still intent on playing until he is at least 36 and preferably at the top level.

"It's great to be playing against your Michael Owens and everybody else in the Premiership," he says enthusiastically, "pitting your wits against the best in the world.

"But I'll play at any level. As long as I'm doing myself or whoever I play for justice, I'll continue. I just love playing football."