Phil Parkinson expects Luke Oliver to “embrace” his promotion to senior centre half tomorrow.

The sudden shortage in the middle of the back four has seen the 2011-2012 player of the year as the only specialist available for the role.

Oliver has made only two outings this season since spending nearly a year out of action with a serious cruciate injury.

But Parkinson has full confidence in the giant defender to lead from the front against Tranmere. The City chief said: “Olly is determined to play a part this season and any player who comes in the team has got to want to stay in it.

“He’s a very popular character in the dressing room and a big presence. This is going to be a good opportunity for him and I think he’ll embrace it.”

Oliver made his return in the 4-0 home win over Brentford, a smooth reappearance helped by the visitors going down to ten men early. When Rory McArdle fell ill, he deputised again in the come-from-behind 2-1 win over Shrewsbury a fortnight ago.

Parkinson added: “Olly has done great. He played against Brentford and Shrewsbury and then had a really good reserve game against Sheffield United.

“I feel his training has gone up another level over the last two weeks. The progression is to be expected from him and he’s getting there.”