STEVE Banks is expected to get a rare opportunity to stake a claim for the No 1 spot when Wanderers bid to press home their Worthington Cup advantage at Macclesfield tonight.

The experienced keeper, who kept a clean sheet in the first leg a fortnight ago, gets another chance with Sam Allardyce electing to rest Jussi Jaaskelainen on his return from international duty.

The Wanderers' boss has the luxury of having two exceptional and coveted keepers to select from as well as being spoiled for choice up front where he will again perm two from four as he looks to build on a 1-0 first leg lead.

But he has problems in defence with skipper, Mike Whitlow, struggling with the shoulder injury he suffered just seconds before netting the winning goal at Tranmere on Bank Holiday Monday and in midfield with Gareth Farrelly extremely doubtful with a calf strain he picked up in training on Friday.

He could also be without Mark Fish, who was only due back from the Congo this morning after helping South Africa to a 2-1 African Nations Cup qualifying victory on Sunday.

"I've just got to see what effect the long flight has had on Mark before I consider naming my team," Allardyce explained.

"With Mike Whitlow out it gives me extremely limited options defensively."

Banks, who has been the subject of speculation linking him with loan moves to his former clubs Gillingham and Blackpool, has found chances hard to come by since Jaaskelainen established himself as first choice midway through last season.

The Finn has been in exceptional form this season.

"We're strong in the goalkeeping department with Steve and Jussi but our best area without a doubt is up front where I can select from Dean Holdsworth, Isaiah Rankin, Michael Ricketts and Ian Marshall.

"There's strength in depth there as well as a lot of quality.

"Hopefully we can make that count tonight."

Holdsworth's goal in the first leg has given Wanderers a massive advantage against the Third Division outfit but Allardyce knows from experience that the Moss Rose ground can be an intimidating place to visit.

"They had a good win at Plymouth on Saturday and I know from what I've seen at their place in the past that, if you don't get your attitude right from the start, you can pay a heavy price.

"We've got an advantage but we've still got to be right."

Macc boss Peter Davenport has centre-back Rae Ingram doubtful. Darren Tinson could switch to the middle with George Abbey being drafted in at right back.

Ex Wanderer Neil McDonald has quit as Preston North End's Youth team coach and joined the Reebok ranks as Under 19s coach.