Grimsby Town bosses have decided who will come into midfield for Newport clash
PAUL Hurst and Rob Scott have decided who will come into the Mariners' midfield for tomorrow's clash in South Wales – but they're not telling!
Derek Niven's one-match ban means the Town bosses will be forced into at least one change from Tuesday's starting XI.
As recognised centre-midfielders, Andi Thanoj and Frankie Artus appear to be the obvious choices to play alongside skipper Craig Disley.
However, the likes of Nathan Pond, Bradley Wood and Sam Hatton are also under consideration.
MAYFAIR ESTATE AGENTS
If we cannot find you a tenant within one month, we will find you one for FREE, yes FREE, you will pay no fees
Contact 01472 355553
Terms: Terms and Conditions Apply
Contact: 01472 355 553
Valid until: Thursday, May 23 2013
The trio of defenders could replace Niven's steel in the engine room for what is sure to be a testing encounter against the Blue Square Bet Premier leaders.
But the prospect of breaking up the joint strongest defence in the division could count Pond and Wood out of a switch into midfield.
"We've pretty much made a decision but we're not going to reveal that for Newport," said Hurst.
"It's nice to have those options where it's not just one player stepping in and leaving us threadbare.
"We would liked Derek to be available of course, but at the same time the team is good enough not to crumble due to losing one player –albeit he has proved his worth and shown why we brought him in.
"We've wanted to have this kind of defensive record since we came here, and have had at the other football clubs we've taken charge of.
"It would be hard to break that and it's something we've had to talk about when considering our options."
With striker Liam Hearn a long-term injury victim, fellow forward Greg Pearson is the only other absentee – because of a troublesome knee problem.
"We're going to leave Greg until next week. He'll train again then and we'll see if he comes through it," explained Hurst.
"We think he should be fine for that, but we've had a few moments before when we've felt that and it's turned out he's not.
"That's the plan and in the meantime he'll do some cardio work and gym work without impacting on his knee.
"It's an opportunity to rest that properly and not risk him tomorrow.
"He got the knock at Kidderminster and none of us expected him to be out this long at all, so it's disappointing for him and for us. Hopefully we'll have him back soon."
Comments