The Iron’s interim manager Michael Nelson has provided an update on the squad and previewed the New Year's Day match away against Chesterfield.
The boss started by talking about goalkeeper Owen Foster, who came off with a shoulder injury on Boxing Day. He said: “He’s had a scan and it came back clear in terms of there’s no real damage, just a bit of bone bruising. It’s just a case of getting it to settle down and then managing the pain so we can get him back in.
“Chesterfield might come too soon, but hopefully he will be back training after and available for the following one. It was his right shoulder. He’d taken a knock after making a good save, but hopefully he will be fine.”
Nelson then spoke about Rob Apter who also had to leave the field prematurely on Boxing Day with a knee injury. Nelson said: “He’s been assessed by our physios, and then he went back to Blackpool so he could be assessed by theirs too. They sent him for a scan and we’re just waiting on the results from that to come back. Our physio will contact them and we will get an update then. At the minute Rob is available for New Years Day. However, if his scan comes back with bad news then his loan will be up.”
The gaffer then went on to reflect on Rob’s time at the club, adding: “Largely he’s been positive, in terms of he gets fans off their seats and he’s exciting to watch. He’s had a positive impact in certain games so on the whole I think he’s had a positive loan spell and if Blackpool take him back then I’m sure they’ll have plenty of clubs looking to take him on.”
Next the boss spoke about Reagan Ogle (thigh), who missed out on Boxing Day. He said: “He had a slight setback before the Chesterfield game. He’s been back on the grass on Friday and he’s going to join the rest of the group on Saturday, but Chesterfield might come too soon. We will assess him on Saturday, see how he reacts, and act from there.”
There has been speculation that six-goal striker Caolan Lavery played his final game for the Iron on Boxing Day. However, the gaffer confirmed that this wasn’t the case: “He has until 22nd January on his current deal. That’s why we said in the post-match interviews that we planned on having both him and Rob available, pending Rob's scan. He’s still available, he trained well on Friday, and he’s up for selection on Sunday.”
Nelson then spoke about what he expects from the trip to Chesterfield on New Year's Day, adding: “Obviously, you get a closer look at them to see what they do (having played them on Boxing Day), and I think they’ll be more expansive on their own patch, with a little more aggression attacking-wise because their fans are behind them. I expect more of the same in terms of how they play, their shape, and their personnel. We look to counteract their aggression, as well as try and hurt them in areas that we’ve seen in the previous games.”
Finally, Nelson spoke about the importance of the fans going into such a big game, with around 500 set to make the journey to support the team. He said: “They’re massive home and away, and they travel the length and breadth of the country, so they’re a real help to the lads. I think the atmosphere was brilliant on Boxing Day and hopefully those who come on New Year's Day will sing their hearts out and back the lads. Hopefully, us as a group of players and staff will be able to deliver a result for them.
“A new year allows for a new start, hopefully we can get that elusive away win that we’ve all been searching for and no better time than New Year's Day.”