Wanderers fear they are losing out in their latest club v country tussle over Mark Fish.

The centre-back is due to miss the Reebok fixture against bottom club Crewe on February 27 - the day South Africa play Gabon in an African Nations Cup qualifier.

Colin Todd has asked Johannesburg officials to release Fish from the national squad - as recently as this morning - and has been in touch with Leeds boss David O'Leary, who has similar problems with Lucas Radebe.

"The South Africans have listened but say they are in a very, very difficult position because of the importance of the competition," Todd explained.

Only managing a draw in Mauritius in their last qualifier meant South Africa, though still top of their qualifying group, are reluctant to take any risks with weakened teams in their remaining games.

Todd is currently awaiting medical assessments of Paul Warhurst's hamstring injury before knowing how long he will be without the £800,000 defender.

"He certainly won't play on Saturday," the manager said, looking ahead to the home game against West Brom. "We can't say any more than that at the moment."

Andy Todd will continue his progress after a lay-off following hernia surgery in tonight's reserve game against Sheffield Wednesday at The Reebok, at which admission will be free. Wanderers also hope to have international clearance to play USA defender Michael Burns, who is having trials with a number of British clubs.

BO HANSEN took part in his first training session with his new team-mates this morning after completing his £1 million transfer from Brondby.

The Denmark international signed after agreeing personal terms yesterday, subject to satisfactory medical reports, which are considered to be merely a formality.

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