Star's worries over absentees - exclusive

Last updated : 25 March 2005 By Andy Parsons

Chris Brunt will be missing for the next two games because he is with the Northern Ireland squad, compatriot James Quinn will be missing on Tuesday following his suspension for the England game tomorrow but they should be back next weekend.

Glenn Whelan is playing in Israel today with the Republic of Ireland Under-21 team and he will arrive back in the country in time for the Huddersfield game but not for the clash with Torquay.

As well as the international players missing, Wednesday could also be without defensive lynchpins Graeme Lee and perhaps Lee Bullen, who picked up a knee injury during the week and Richard Wood, who damaged a shin in midweek.

Long-term absentees include David Lucas, Adam Proudlock, Paul Smith and Steve MacLean but Paul Sturrock will be able to breathe easier thanks to the signings of goalkeeper Paul Gallacher, defender Zigor Aranande and striker Graham Barrett who should be involved tomorrow at some point.

Definite changes will be Gallacher coming in for Chris Adamson in goal, Steve Adams partnering Craig Rocastle in midfield to deputise for Whelan and Matt Hamshaw on the left instead of Brunt.

Worried striker Peacock told Footymad: “All these injuries and international call ups have come for us at the wrong time but we have got players who can come in and we have decent depth in our squad.

“There's no doubt the gaffer has wanted to bring people in and the lads at the moment are doing the business and we have to keep plugging away and winning games.”

It is an important time of the season for Wednesday as they push for the play-offs but the former Bristol City striker is doubly determined to go up this season after the disappointment of previous campaigns.

He added: “The year before last we (City) got put out of the play-offs and then last year we got to the final and I missed it with my ankle so hopefully I can go that one step further this season.

“We have proven that we can put in good performances and we have to realise sometimes during certain games that we have to step up our performances. The fans have been superb and they have been right behind us, that's what you need at times - sometimes when you're head's are dropping the supporters help you out and they always play a massive part.”