SAM Allardyce today confirmed an interest in bringing former Scotland star Colin Hendry to the Reebok Stadium.

But the Wanderers boss says the possible arrival of the 34-year-old Coventry defender would depend heavily on whether Mark Fish stay or leaves.

The Reebok future of Fish is uncertain with the South African centre half refusing an offer to extend his current contract which expires at the end of the season.

It leaves Allardyce trying to make contingency plans in the event of Fish's departure and the ex-Blackburn, Manchester City and Rangers star fits the bill perfectly.

The manager said: "Someone like Colin Hendry certainly interests me.

"I have made an enquiry about him but the situation is that I am trying to be like a chess player in that if Fish does leave I need to know about who I might be able to bring in and a person like Colin Hendry would be ideal.

"If someone bids for Mark Fish and and he accepts it Hendry would be a good replacement."

Meanwhile, Isaiah Rankin will head back to Bradford after tomorrow's clash at Birmingham City with a tribute from his 'temporary' boss.

Wanderers' tight financial situation dictates that Wanderers are unable to make his loan spell permanent and his departure will increase Allardyce's desire to bring in a new front man.

The Reebok boss appreciates the job done by the £1m-rated striker who he describes as possessing the kind of calibre he is looking for in a long term recruit.

"Isaiah has done a fantastic job for us," he praised. "He scored a couple of goals early on and has helped to get us where we are.

"We couldn't have done without him."

Allardyce will also be hoping the player can provide a big finish to his loan stint by reproducing the dangerous performance and goal he scored in the corresponding fixture last season - when he was on loan at Birmingham!

Kevin Nolan has been called up by England Under-18s for a friendly against Belgium at Bradford on November 18.