Phil Parkinson has given the latest on his squad’s fitness as we head into Saturday’s Sky Bet League One meeting with Doncaster Rovers.
The manager issued an update on Callum McFadzean after the wing-back’s hamstring injury and touched on one or two minor knocks elsewhere amongst the Lads.
“There are no major additional problems to what we had, just one or two niggles,” Parkinson stated.
“Luke O’Nien took a whack in training on Thursday and he has a little discomfort, but we’ll keep a check on how it is.
“Aiden O’Brien has a minor tight groin; another one we’ll keep tabs on. Callum McFadzean is back out on the training pitch – he took a little bit longer than first anticipated, but it’s important to get him right with his recovery.”
Northern Ireland duo Tom Flanagan and Conor McLaughlin once again reported to the Academy of Light on Friday morning following international duty – notably their nation’s UEFA European Championships qualifier against Slovakia.
Parkinson welcomes the return of the pair, particularly after confirming Jordan Willis will be sidelined for around three weeks following an injection to pacify a persistent knee problem.
“The international lads were back training this morning. It was good for them to get game time whilst away, and it helps us to have experienced internationals back with us.
“Jordan had an injection on Wednesday and should be out for about three weeks. He has done well but has recently been playing with painkillers.
“We sat down with the medical team and agreed that to get best of Jordan going forward it’s the right thing to do. Conor and Tom coming back has at least softened the blow.”
Finally, the boss talked over his goalkeeping selection process, with a slight ankle knock preventing Lee Burge starting last weekend against MK Dons – Remi Matthews covering between the sticks.
“Remi has done well when he’s come in, and Burgey was carrying slight ankle problem which was affecting his kicking, so we went with Remi last week.
“We have three good goalkeepers and we want competition all the time rather than saying one of them categorically has the number one spot.
“I want them all to believe they get in that team, and that’s what we’ve got. Anthony [Patterson] came in against Fleetwood and showed what we know he can do. He’s done well in the Under-23s, he trains with first team every day, and he’s pushing hard.”