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McCarthy to Name Strong Cup Side But Chambers, Skuse and Kenlock Doubts
Thursday, 5th Jan 2017 14:12

Town boss Mick McCarthy says he’ll field as strong a side as he can when Vanarama National League leaders Lincoln City visit Portman Road in the third round of the FA Cup on Saturday, but has injury concerns regarding skipper Luke Chambers, Cole Skuse and Myles Kenlock and has confirmed that Dean Gerken will start in goal rather than first-choice Bartosz Bialkowski.

“My captain Chambo has got a bit of swelling on his knee, so we’ll have to see how he is,” McCarthy said. “Skusey likewise has got a swelling on his knee and he’s going for a scan this afternoon.

“Hopefully it won’t flag up anything serious, nevertheless swollen knees on a Thursday before a cup tie is not what I’d really want.

“Myles Kenlock’s a doubt with his calf. He’s done great, I’ve been delighted with him and but for his injury on Monday at Queens Park Rangers he wouldn’t have come off.”

Having named weakened teams for cup matches in the past, McCarthy says he’s not going to go down that route on Saturday.

“It’ll be as strong as I can make it,” he said. “Gerks will play in goal but that’s hardly weakening it with Dean Gerken in, he’s a first-team goalkeeper. And the rest will be as strong as I can make it.”

He says he may include one or two younger players, perhaps striker Ben Morris, among the subs: “Possibly on Saturday. But it’ll be as strong as I can make it.”

Regarding his longer-term injuries he says Luke Hyam and Tommy Smith are closing in on returns having undergone knee and back surgery respectively, along with Teddy Bishop, who has had an ankle problem.

“Luke should be back in February, hopefully having games in the U23s by then, along with Tommy Smith and Teddy Bishop,” he said.

Paul Digby is fit again and back in training after a knee injury, but Giles Coke, who has been out all season, remains on the sidelines.

“Giles has really struggled with his knee this year, he’s had a lot of treatment on it and has had a couple of ops on it, so he’s just fighting his way back, he’s having a tough time of it,” he added.

Loanee Jonny Williams also remains sidelined having undergone shoulder surgery and isn't due back until March.


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mathiemagic added 14:20 - Jan 5
Lincoln are having a great season, i can see us being one of the "Giant Killings" at the weekend unfortunately.
10

Tufty added 14:20 - Jan 5
So we are going to field the strongest side but not the best goalkeeper
Full of contradictions this bloke
15

carlisleaway added 14:22 - Jan 5
Well that is covering your backside in the case of an FA Cup shock, drop his 2 loving Skusy and Chambo. Then come out with the statement that these 2 are the backbone of his team, that is me being sarcastic !!!!
3

Seasider added 14:26 - Jan 5
Seems to
1

weevil added 14:28 - Jan 5
Pleased to hear a strong team for the cup this season. Would be nice to have a little cup run, maybe we can get into the 4th round? We need something to cheer about this season.
6

Seasider added 14:35 - Jan 5
Its good that he has had a change of heart,and will be doing what he should have done in previous seasons.

Ip swich (Evans Milne & McCarthy)are always banging on about how hard up we are,and how we cant compete with a lot in the Championship anymore.Well a cup run can be quite remunerative which would help to alleviate this problem.

It should also mean having a better chance of beating Lincoln City,which cannot be a given.
4

Town4me added 14:36 - Jan 5
I'm putting Lincoln in my ACCA at the weekend!
0

rickw added 14:38 - Jan 5
Something like this then I imagine:
-------------------------Gerken-------------
Emmanuel - Webster - Berra - Knudsen
Ward -------- Douglas -- Dozzell ----- Lawrence
-------------------Sears ---- Best ----
I doubt Mick will risk any players who are doubts and will play some first team players who didn't start the last match, not sure if he'll risk Lawrence though?
-1

Steve_ITFC_Sweden added 14:41 - Jan 5
This game really is a hiding to nothing. The only way we can come out of it positively is if we dominate and win convincingly. A scraped win, a draw, or even worse will not do. COYB!
6

battyblue added 15:00 - Jan 5
Mick has a change of policy re cup games
,i wonder why.. could be something to do with his job on the line and no hope of play off places.

i wonder if Mick will set up not to get beaten.
4

blueblood66 added 15:00 - Jan 5
knee swelling, must be contagious! Horse crap, Chambers not being cup tied
9

BlueMachines added 15:03 - Jan 5
Makes sense to my playing Gerkin. He isn't as good but it would be good to give him some game time if he is called into action if Bart is injured, sent off, or sold....
8

truckerblue added 15:09 - Jan 5
To be brutally honest if we lose this it's hardly a giant killing on Lincolns behalf. Maybe a slightly tall slaying.
6

StuartBrett8 added 15:10 - Jan 5
It makes sense to play a strong side, the fans need a win! F.A cup or not
2

runningout added 15:58 - Jan 5
with our iffy season, our so called strong team, need to prove it, and be clinical in all areas.. Lincoln are a decent team this season, with sort after coaching staff
1

Cakeman added 16:27 - Jan 5
Fully agree Tufty. We should field our strongest team but once again we are not with Gerken in goal with our managers contradiction highlighted. Having said that what on earth is our strongest team these days?
Disappointing.
2

warwickblue added 16:40 - Jan 5
Is Chambers on his way somewhere?
1

Mark added 16:41 - Jan 5
Mick's still talking as though Gerken is as good as Bialkowski then, when fans believe Bart is streets ahead. Bart has saved us numerous times over recent games and without him we wouldn't have got the points we had. My worry is a rusty Gerken coming back could cost us, but let's hope not. We should be looking to go 2-0 or 3-0 up in the match, then bring on some youngsters for experience.
2

bedsitfc added 17:06 - Jan 5
Is it so they are not cup tied.
Worth more if they aren't
3

happybeingblue added 17:20 - Jan 5
not bothering with this one , mick has shown no interest in cup competitions since hes been here and if he cant be arsed nor can i
3

martin587 added 17:31 - Jan 5
Sounds a bit fishy to me.Just strange these three are not playing.!!
3

jas0999 added 17:36 - Jan 5
It's a no win game this. Expected to win and frankly quite comfortably. Won't make us world beaters, but a loss or draw would be very disappointing.
2

shakytown added 17:42 - Jan 5
jas0999. Be prepared for dissapointment then. douggie( different class is douggie) will be back to stifle any chance of anything but hoofball. Put some cash on lincoln as they have more desire than our old has beens and never will be's.
2

Steelmonkey added 17:47 - Jan 5
I wonder if all these three are subjects of possible transfer interest, I can but hope!
0

stiffy501 added 17:55 - Jan 5
Will anybody be there ? ( apart from the 4000 Lincoln fans that is )
2


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