Beattie's a major doubt

Star striker Beattie has a minor Achilles problem and joins Graeme Le Saux (foot) and Anders Svensson, who suffered a dead-leg against Newcastle on Sunday, among first-team regulars who may miss out.

Head coach Steve Wigley said: "We have got one or two niggles that we are looking at.

"There are doubts about James Beattie, Graeme Le Saux and Anders Svensson. James has had a problem with his Achilles, Graeme is his foot and Anders got a dead leg.

"He has trained yesterday so it will be just how that reacts."

Of the options to step in for Beattie, Wigley said: "Leon is very much in my thoughts at the minute, but so is the likes of Peter Crouch who has done well when he has come on and is looking for an opportunity.

"That's a decision I'll have to make if Beatts doesn't make it."

Best celebrated his 18th birthday on Sunday with a debut Premiership appearance against Newcastle.

Wigley has now challenged the richly-talented youngster to continue to show the same determination to improve.

"He's still got a long way to go," said Wigley. "He has forced his way in by his performances with the reserves and training with the first-team.

"He has made big progress, he's started to get himself more goals and physically he is maturing - he can be a very good player.

"He has got a lot of ability. He has got pace and power, in the modern game that is very important. The best teams are stacked with athletes.

"But it's very early in his career. He has just turned 18, he has got himself in and around the squad and he's got to stay in it.

"If Leon carries on what he has been doing to get himself there, he should enjoy a good career.

"From here, it is very important because people like me will be looking to see how he reacts.

"He will have to work very hard to stay in and around the squad because there is some quality people in that position.

"I'm confident that he will apply himself."

Best has scored four reserve goals this season, including a hat-trick in a 4-1 romp at Derby County.