MICHAEL Ricketts knocks in an impressive 11th goal of the season and Ricardo Gardner opens his account with a sensational strike as Wanderers beat Barnsley 2-0 at the Reebok to move back into third place in the table. Dean Holdsworth, missing for six games, returns as a second half substitute. Sam Allardyce re-affirms his interest in Sunderland misfit Carsten Fredgaard and confirms he plans to pursue a deal.

MONDAY

GARETH Farrelly insists Wanderers are not out of the automatic promotion picture and picks out the Dec 3 clash with Watford as a landmark fixture. Gardner, due to play for Jamaica in El Salvador on Thursday, promises to be back in time for the Norwich game. Allardyce takes a swipe at the 'stayaway' fans after another poor Reebok attendance.

TUESDAY

ALLARDYCE, who says he would prefer permanent deals rather than short-term signings, rubbishes speculation linking him with Moroccan striker Salah Eddie Bassir of Deportivo La Coruna but confirms that Strasbourg centre-back Pierre Njanka is having a trial at the Reebok.

WEDNESDAY

COLIN Hendry's omission from the Scotland team and Craig Brown's explanation that the Coventry misfit won't be considered again until he is playing regular first team football fuels speculation that he could yet be on his way to the Reebok. Jussi Jaaskelainen plays for Finland in their 3-0 defeat by the Republic of Ireland in Dublin. David Norris and Paul Wheatcroft are sent off as Wanderers' Reserves play out a scoreless draw with Barnsley at Hilton Park.

THURSDAY

ALLARDYCE reveals he is actively pursuing a deal that could bring Njanka to the Reebok. Dean Holdsworth's comeback is interrupted by injury; he is ruled out of the Norwich game. Gardner plays a full 90 minutes for Jamaica, who are beaten 2-0 in El Salvador ... Kevin Nolan scores in an impressive performance for England U-18s in their 3-2 victory over Belgium at Bradford's Valley Parade.

FRIDAY

DANISH attacking midfielder Carsten Fredgaard joins Wanderers from Sunderland on a month's loan.