When the transfer window slammed shut at the end of August, million pound signing Jason Shackell would hardly have expected to wait until it next opened for a chance to properly launch his Wolves career.
Injury in the home win against Swansea, and then the stunning performances of on-loan Michael Mancienne, left Shackell not even able to land a place on the bench.
With Neill Collins earning the right to be "first reserve" behind Mancienne and Richard Stearman, Shackell has a Molineux career record of two starts and eight substitute appearances - including that cameo between the sticks at Preston.
But with Mancienne recalled to west London, and Mick McCarthy expected to shuffle his pack at Blues in the FA Cup, this could be an excellent chance for Shackell to muscle his way into the promotion push.
Stearman is obviously and deservedly McCarthy's first choice, so the battle is on for Collins and Shackell, with Jody Craddock also nearing fitness. And Shackell has the added benefit of being a left footed central defender.
I'm a massive fan of Collins' wholehearted approach to life in the Wolves team, but there is the occasional slip - like the bemusing way he booted the ball behind for a corner at Blackpool on Monday night when he wasn't under any obvious pressure.
So Shackell needs to step up to the plate, and show us why he was so well thought of at Carrow Road, and why he was worth £1m.
McCarthy won't reveal his team plans for tomorrow, but I expect Shackell, Sam Vokes and maybe Carl Ikeme to feature.
Super Mick, who's closing in on Rangers striker Alan Gow, could potentially even rest the outstanding Kevin Foley and goal king Sylvan, leaving Shackell alongside Collins with Stearman once again at right back.
If Wolves were languishing in mid table, tomorrow would be a massive game for me. But I have to admit, and I'm almost ashamed to say it, the FA Cup means little or nothing in the grand scheme of things.
Only one thing matters between now and May. It's a nine letter word that begins with P and ends in romotion.
But tomorrow could be a really big game for Shackell.
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