THE Anders Limpar transfer went on hold today, scotching Wanderers plans to throw the Swede straight into action at Bradford.

Colin Todd has set up the loan arrangement for the Everton winger but will wait for the player to recover from a slight achilles injury before sealing the deal, possibly towards the end of next week .

The Burnden boss held successful talks with Limpar yesterday when the transfer was agreed.

But Wanderers have only a slim chance of making the transfer permanent. Effectively resigned to his Everton career being over, the 31-years-old Swedish international is understood to be aiming to move back to the Continent under the Bosman ruling when his contract ends next summer.

Todd confirmed: "Everything is in place but Anders has a very minor injury which is holding things up slightly."

Injury is also delaying Wanderers' team selection for tomorrow's Valley Parade test.

Jimmy Phillips is under treatment for a shin injury he suffered in a crunching tackle during Wednesday's Coca-Cola Cup tie at Bristol City.

Todd expects another tough encounter for his high-scoring, table-topping side but believes the time has come for them to impose their authority.

"We are top of the league and we want to stay there," he declared on the eve of his return to the club where he had a stint as assistant manager before his move to Burnden in 1992.

"The players have got to be buoyant. I want to see them stick their chests out and play with confidence but with that vital ingredient ... steel.

"It's important that they remember how they got to the top of the table in the first place and to play with the same quality and determination. I don't want any more results like Southend. That was a blow to our pride and a real setback.

"We've recovered well and it's important we keep the run going."

Todd is considering all options as he prepares for a game which is a sell-out for Wanderers fans and will be played before a near-capacity crowd. "I have a strong squad of players," he added. "I've always stressed that and there's always scope for a change or two."

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.