RICARDO Gardner may look his old self - but the Reebok fans ain't seen nothing yet.

The winger's hard running performances since returning to the first team fold five games ago are clear evidence of the success of his treatment of a cruciate ligament injury sustained last season.

His injection of pace, skill, direct running and determination have added an extra dimension to the team. But both the player and his manager know there is much more to come as Gardner fully regains his match fitness.

While his display in last Saturday's draw against Crystal Palace was seen in some quarters as being the high point of the team's display, Allardyce saw flaws in his game which concerned him.

The manager said the Jamaican's performance was below par by his standards and that he struggled to get through the game. But he knows it is only to be expected that Gardner will be affected by tiredness at times after spending so long on the sidelines.

The player showed his strength is returning all the time with an eye-catching performance in the midweek victory over Queens Park Rangers and he believes it is only the start of his progress.

"I'm happy with the way it is going," he said.

"It's is good to be playing and I think I am getting better. I feel like I am improving with every game.

"All I want to do is help the boys go for promotion."

Tuesday's night's win, only Wanderers' second in nine games, not surprisingly lifted morale within the Reebok camp.

Gardner added: "The win was very important to get us back on track.

"We need a few points to keep us with the top teams and we played well to get the win, especially after going a goal behind.

"The boys responded very well, they kept their cool and gave it one hundred per cent."