It is understood that Gilbert is considered by Brian Laws as one of his main options to take over from the injured Richard Hinds, with versatile Steve Watson the other.

Gilbert played on the right as an emergency measure last season; he was also tried there during pre-season, got the role against Rotherham in the Carling Cup last week and played there for the first half of last night's reserve game against United.

Laws, however, still wants to bring in a recognised right back before Saturday's Hillsborough clash with Preston and is thought to be making progress.

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Gilbert will be ready if he gets the call: "I feel quite comfortable at right back.

"I just want to play football and give 100 per cent for the team.

"I played at right back against Plymouth and Blackpool at the back end of last season and if I hadn't been unfortunate enough to get sent off (at Blackpool] I might have played more games there." He was also on the right against Chesterfield in pre-season,

He added: "You get used to it; it's full back, just on the other side. It's not my strongest side but it's not a major issue for me.

"When I come in before in the position, I've felt fine.

"Wherever the manager wants me to play, I'm happy to play. I just want to play more games."

Gilbert played for the first half last night at right back and was switched to the opposite flank for the second half but was taken off in the 66th minute, no doubt with Laws wanting to save him in case he is needed on Saturday.

A young Wednesday reserves side lost 2-1 to United in the first Central League match of the season. Rocky Lekaj scored the Owls goal.

As Hinds starts a three-month lay-off, Wolves defender Jody Craddock is out for as similar length of time after going off early in the game against the Owls last Saturday with a broken bone in his foot.

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