Iron manager Russ Wilcox pledged to continue looking to bolster his squad as an ever-growing injury-list increased further during United’s 2-1 loss to Leyton Orient on Saturday.
Striker Lyle Taylor was forced off with just over 20 minutes remaining of the contest, adding to an already lengthy role-call of absentees.The loss of Taylor is particularly damaging given he registered his maiden goal for the club against Coventry four days previously, and Wilcox told The Iron Player: “He’s got a groin injury, but whether it’s a twist or a tear I’ll find out later.
“It just adds to the list. You’re hoping on Tuesday night you’ve found a partnership which is going to take you forward, and it lasts a game-and-a-half.
“He gets the winning goal, and you’re looking for him and Paddy Madden to kick on, but now that’s going to be broken up. That’s the way the season’s panned out unfortunately.”
Barely 10 minutes after having to replace Taylor, United’s misfortune continued as last season’s Player of the Year, Sean McAllister, also left the field with a suspected ankle injury which will require future assessment.
Those mounting injuries leave Wilcox eager to make the most of the loan market, but the Iron manager admitted: “We keep trying, but the situation we’re in – when you look at the table – means some players aren’t suddenly as keen to come to your football club.
“We’ll keep making enquiries, keep doing our homework on players, and see what we can bring in next week. If not, we’ll just have to regroup, and go again at Oldham next week.”
The answers to United’s problems may yet lie within, with Nicky Featherstone and Rory Fallon both impressing while training with the club in recent times.
The duo will be given one final chance to stake claims for contracts, as Wilcox explained: “I’m going to have a last look at Rory and Nicky on Tuesday, and they might be two players I add in there.
“If you look at the last 20 minutes of the game today, we do look like we need a plan B in that big target-man. He’s certainly impressed me in training, Rory, and in the game at Doncaster as well.
“Nicky Featherstone retains the ball well for the team too, so maybe they’re the two who could be the answer.”
See much more from Russ Wilcox, and others, on The Iron Player.