DOUBTS over Colin Hendry's international future have renewed speculation that the 34-year-old Coventry defender could be on his way to the Reebok.

The former Blackburn, Manchester City and Rangers central defender, dropped from Scotland's friendly against Australia tonight, has been told he won't get back in the national side until he starts playing regular first team football.

That could hasten his departure from Highfield Road, where he has not figured in the first team since the opening day of the season.

With Sam Allardyce having already checked out the possibility of recruiting Hendry on an extended loan arrangement and Coventry prepared to subsidise any transfer by paying part of his substantial wages, Wanderers are understandably back in the frame.

Allardyce revealed yesterday he is pursuing long-term signings rather than stop-gap measures, suggesting the veteran Scot - two caps short of the 50 that would earn him a place in Scotland's Hall of Fame - was no longer top of his wish list. If he did revive his interest, he could face competition from Wolves, who are understood to have made an enquiry.

Meanwhile, Jussi Jaaskelainen looks set for another night of frustration on the international front.

The in-form Wanderers' keeper, who was overlooked for Finland's two World Cup qualifiers against Greece and Finland last month, is again expected to play second fiddle to Hearts keeper Antii Niemi tonight when the Finns take on the Republic of Ireland in a friendly in Dublin.

Allardyce, who hopes midfielders Ricardo Gardner (Jamaica) and Kevin Nolan (England U-18s) will return promptly and unscathed from international duty tomorrow, expects to have Ian Marshall available for Saturday's trip to Norwich. The veteran centre-back-cum-striker has missed the last three games with a groin injury.