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Midfielder David Livermore is suspended while captain Kevin Muscat faces a late fitness test because of an achilles problem that has left the defender out of sorts. With long-term injuries having already ruled out Paul Ifill, Graham Stack and Peter Sweeney, Wise can only cast an envious look at the resources at the disposal of The Lions' play-off rivals after being told that the club cannot afford to bring any new faces in.
"What we want would not cost us much," he insisted. "We felt we were going to have a really good go at promotion this year. All of a sudden it has changed slightly.
"Elsewhere, you've got Sheffield United offering £650,000 for Ade Akinbiyi and Stoke are trying to pay big money for Rob Hulse. Leeds got him on loan in the end and they also got Michael Gray. All we want is a couple on loan and it wouldn't cost a fortune."
Rumours are rife that Wise has lost the confidence of his players and the manager has admitted that striker Barry Hayles was dropped to the bench last week as discplinary measure.
But with so many players out, and with a couple more expected tomorrow, the striker will probably be reinstated for tomorrow's game as Wise will need as much experience out there as possible.
"I'm struggling a bit myself," admitted the boss. "As are one or two others I may be forced to throw in a youngster or two.
"But we're staying focussed and positive, and we'll be determined to give it a real go against Stoke."
Looking on the bright side, Tony Pulis' Stoke City squad is just as depleted. Striker Ade Akinibiyi has departed to Sheffield United while Clive Clarke, Carl Asaba and Gerry Taggart are all suspended.
Head-to-head