THE on-off deal to bring Colin Hendry to the Reebok is back on with the Scotland international set to join Wanderers on a three-month loan.

Forty-eight hours after Sam Allardyce said he had scrapped plans to sign the Coventry central defender, he revealed he was hopeful of securing his signature "later today or early next week".

That is because Hendry, who celebrated his 35th birthday yesterday, is so desperate for first team football to keep his international career alive that he is helping finance the deal out of his own pocket.

Wanderers have not revealed details of the player's contribution but they are not paying the £125,000 loan fee which Coventry were understood to be demanding.

"The overall financial package is extremely good," Allardyce confirmed, "and Colin has played a major part in that himself because he wants to play. He's sorted out some of the finance with Coventry as well as ourselves. That shows how much he wants to play at Bolton."

Wanderers have been keen on Hendry since selling Mark Fish to Charlton in a £700,000 deal last month. That coincided with the Keith-born defender, who had been captain of his country, being told by Scotland boss Craig Brown that he would not figure at international level again until he was playing regular first team football.

Allardyce desperately wanted to add his experience to his promotion chasing squad but always feared he could not afford the deal.

But Hendry, who was reported to be prepared to fund part of a deal that might have taken him to Aberdeen a fortnight ago (a deal the Dons still couldn't afford), hinted again last weekend that he was still happy to pick up part of the tab.

"Colin hasn't played much for Coventry this season and it might take him a bit of time to get into his stride again," Allardyce admitted, "but to bring in someone of his stature and experience, is a major coup for us.

"Colin desperately wants to come to Bolton to resurrect his career, not only at league level but at international level too, and I couldn't find anyone with his experience and know-how in this country.

"He won't play tomorrow, even if he signs in time, because I've already worked on my team play. But he'll come and watch the game then start preparing himself to be included in the trip to Wimbledon next week.

"The only concern for me is that he hasn't played that much this season but I'm sure with a bit of careful handling he'll pick up where he left off. If we get the Colin Hendry of old we will have a major player on our hands."