BOB Taylor is back in business and ready to offer the hand of experience to the Wanderers attack. The seasoned striker scored in a specially-arranged private friendly against Middlesbrough yesterday.

It was only a 45-minute runout but it was the latest and most significant step yet on the road to recovery for the 32-year-old hit man who missed the start of the season after having an exploratory operation on his knee.

Now, provided he suffers no reaction, he could force his way into the reckoning for Saturday's opening home fixture against QPR. "He won't be in the starting line-up but we'll see how he is and he could come into the equation," Colin Todd confirmed today.

The behind-closed-doors game proved well worthwhile with goalkeeper Steve Banks getting his first taste of match action (he played half the game, Jussi Jaaskelainen played the other) to continue his recovery from the double hernia operation he underwent during the summer. Mark Fish was given an ouiting to step up his fitness.

Todd also used the game, which ended 1-1, to give trials to two French players but he will not be pursuing his interest in either. The manager, meanwhile, has issued a warning to his players of the challenges to come as the Division One campaign gets into full swing. Wanderers have made a satisfactory if unspectacular start with draws at Tranmere in the League and Darlington in the Worthington Cup.

But Todd knows they will need to improve against the more fancied teams.

"The signs have been encouraging but we'll get much sterner tests." he predicted. Despite the manager's words of warning, Eidur Gudjohnsen is brimming with fitness and confidence and reckons Wanderers could become the surprise guys of the First Division.

The young Icelander, of whom big things are expected this season, has put injury worries behind him and believes he could soon be back to his best.

"I didn't get off to the best of starts, missing that big chance against Tranmere," he admitted, "but I feel good and feel confident and believe we could surprise a few people this year.

"I'm delighted to have gone through pre-season without injury but I think I can still improve my fitness. I certainly hope to be at my peak this season." Dean Holdsworth's expected three-match ban for his red card at Tranmere has been confirmed and he will miss the games against Ipswich, Darlington and Manchester City.

Wanderers' Division One clash with Birmingham City on September 5, selected for live broadcast by Sky TV, will kick off at 4pm and not 1pm as originally scheduled.

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