NIGEL Clough will be assessing his injury hit squad ahead of Saturday’s home game against Sunderland (kick off 3pm).
His biggest concern is in the goalkeeping department where both Stephen Bywater (shoulder) and his on-loan replacement Brad Collins (thigh) are now injured.
Clough said: “Brad has had a scan back at Chelsea and confirmed the thigh strain which is anything from three to six weeks out.
“We will now step up our search for a goalkeeper this week on a short-term deal. We are checking the rules, but we are pretty sure we can do a seven-day, week-by-week thing. There are one or two goalkeepers unattached at the moment we could put on a short-term deal.”
If Clough can’t bring in a keeper he will turn to Harry Campbell who came on for Stephen Bywater against Aston Villa and Brad Collins on Saturday at Accrington. But Campbell has still yet to make a league start.
Jake Buxton, Damien McCrory, John Brayford and David Templeton are also all struggling with injuries.
Clough said: “Jake Buxton is outside working with Nick Fenton this week and we will see how his back reacts. John Brayford’s hamstring is improving but we are not sure for Saturday - that might be too soon. Damien McCrory is back in training this week which is good positive news.”
David Templeton won’t train until the end of the week after hurting his ankle at Accrington.
Clough said: “He landed awkwardly after an aerial challenge and twisted it so he will have to see how he is.”
On the plus side Stephen Quinn’s match fitness is rapidly improving.
Clough said: “We are building up each game and he’s having more and more of an influence.”
Liam Boyce will also be back with the club on Wednesday after international duty with Northern Ireland.
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