ALAN Thompson's hopes of a dream return to St James's Park were dashed today when his reserve team comeback was put on ice.

Wanderers' Geordie winger, sidelined for five weeks after a double hernia operation, hoped a game in the reserves tonight would put him in the reckoning for Saturday's game at Newcastle - his former club.

But Burnden boss Colin Todd took the "cruel to be kind" line when he left Thompson out of the Pontins League game at West Brom.

"Alan's been champing at the bit to try and prove his fitness for the Newcastle game," Todd acknowledged, "but it's come a bit too early for him.

"He only returned to full-time training on Monday. A more realistic target for him will be next week's reserve team game against Manchester United." Italian trialist Enzo Gambaro will play at The Hawthorns in a strong 2nd Xl line-up.

The £2 million-rated left back, who is out of contract at AC Milan, is on a month's trial with Wanderers who have been searching for cover and competition for ever-present Jimmy Phillips.

Gambaro has welcomed the opportunity of a reserve team trial to prove his fitness and to make the adjustment to the English game. He is hoping to make his Premiership debut at Newcastle but all Todd has said on that score is: "Let's wait and see." Mixu Paatelainen and David Lee, who returned to first team action at the weekend after their lengthy lay-offs, get further match practice in the reserves along with Fabian de Freitas and Simon Coleman, who is making good progress in his recovery from the broken leg he suffered at Derby 11 months ago. Coleman, who has already had three and a half A team and four Pontins League games is now pressing for a first team recall.

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