IT COULD BE

off lottery where the winner takes all Big Sam fearful of missing

off lottery where the winner out in play

takes it all Comeback 'kid' backs

Wanderers to go up We've got the players to

go up, says Whitlow Mike Whitlow could kick start his season if Wanderers are forced to join the play-off lottery. But he will be only too pleased if he doesn't get the chance to shine. EXPERIENCE has taught Mike Whitlow to be wary of the play-offs but that same experience convinces him that Wanderers have what it takes to pass the test, should it come to that.

"Many of the boys have been through it all before," says the Reebok club captain.

"They remember Watford and Ipswich ... good lads like Paul Warhurst, Robbie Elliott, Dean Holdsworth and Gudni Bergsson.

"They know what it's all about - a cup-tie over two legs, home and away, then a cup final.

"It's about who handles it best and it's about having quality players and I reckon we have that."

Whitlow is being neither selfish or defeatist in discussing the play-offs.

By his own admission, he doesn't want the season to end, since he has only just returned to the squad after his latest frustrating injury lay-off; and he's only being realistic in accepting that Blackburn are now in the driving seat after their midweek win at Grimsby.

Fingers crossed

But he'll be as happy as anyone if Wanderers beat the odds, clinch runners-up spot and put his comeback on hold.

"You keep your fingers crossed that Blackburn will slip up," the seasoned defender says hopefully, "but logic tells you that they're not going to lose two games.

"The play-offs are the worst case scenario, especially knowing how horrible they can be and even more so after all the hard work the boys have put in over the season.

"But, if that is what's to be, then so be it. The play-offs can be horrible if you lose and brilliant if you are successful. But we all know where we stand at the start of the season and at least it makes it interesting for a lot of clubs, who otherwise wouldn't have anything to play for.

"It's not nice if you finish 15 points clear of the team finishing fourth and end up losing to them but that's the way it goes sometimes.

"I've no fears on that score though. If we do finish in the play-offs we'll probably be in there with the three teams who are in the frame now. That's how I see it finishing and I'd have no qualms about that.

"It's hard to come to terms with the fact that an entire season's work comes down to just three games but that's it - all we have to do is come through three games - it doesn't matter how well we play - and we'll be back in the Premiership."

Wanderers thought they were heading back to the Promised Land a year ago until fate and a certain referee upset the applecart at Portman Road. Looking at the way Ipswich have capitalised on their good fortune makes it all the more painful for those who torturte themselves with what might have been but Whitlow doesn't begrudge the 'Tractor Boys'.

"I was bitter at the time," he admits, "not just because we lost but because of the way we lost.

"But all credit to George Burley and the lads down there. They've had a fantastic season and they have a centre-forward in Marcus Stewart who's slapped a few people in the face by scoring all those goals!

"It just wasn't to be for us but we've knuckled down again this season and, even though we lost a few players, we've done well. Not many people fancied us but we set out looking to get into the Premiership and we're still on course.

"The only problem, if we don't go up this year, is that we could lose some of our best players again because there are so many out of contract ... players like Deano, Paul Warhurst and Robbie Elliott, who's incredible.

"A lot depends on these next five or six games!"

And, if he's called upon, Whitlow will be ready to do his bit.

Limping out of the reserves on Wednesday night was just a precaution after he went over on his ankle ... the following morning he rattled off 300 sit-ups, proving he is fully recovered from the surgery he underwent in Januray to repair a torn stomach muscle.

"I feel great," he says, "tackling, running, sit-ups ... everything pain free.

"I'm ready to play my part but, if I end up having to wait for next season to start afresh, then so be it."

In the Premiership, of course.