RICARDO Gardner's growing confidence and influence on Wanderers' performances since his super-charged return to fitness continues to astonish Sam Allardyce.

The Jamaican winger has rattled off nine consecutive appearances since returning from the serious knee ligament damage he suffered at Barnsley in February and the Reebok boss is convinced he is on his way to being a better player and a stronger character than he was before his injury.

"Ricky's getting better and better," Allardyce said after his latest impressive performance in Saturday's 1-0 defeat at Sheffield United.

"You don't want anybody to get injured but, because of the injury, he's done six months of rehabilitation work, which has made his body stronger and fitter. Now he's able to cope more with the physical demands of this division and of English football and he's producing his skills more and more as time goes on."

Gillingham are said to be still interested in Wanderers striker Dean Holdsworth but no firm bid has yet been forthcoming.

In fact manager Sam Allardyce says he has not heard anything from Gillingham.

"Until I get that phone call I've got to say there's been no interest."

Meanwhile Holdsworth was ruled out of Sunday's clash with Watford.

He was one of two players along with Anthony Barness who had been battling to be fit yet there was good news about another.

Midfield man Gareth Farrelly looks to have overcome his injury and will be available for the televised game but defender Barness' chances were only rated at 50-50.