Boss Paul Jewell says Town have not received the dreaded call from Fulham requesting David Stockdale’s return to Craven Cottage despite Mark Schwarzer suffering with a back spasm during Saturday’s 0-0 draw at West Brom. The Blues keeper, on loan from the Cottagers for the season, is subject to a 24-hour recall.
Jewell said: "We were made aware that Mark had a bad back but, touch wood, we’ve not heard anything yet.
"We are at the mercy of that 24-hour recall, we understand that and it’s always a constant thought on my mind.”
The Town manager says the Blues are investigating alternatives should the call come but with no specific target yet in mind: "I wouldn’t say we’ve anyone lined up but it’s difficult to try and get a goalkeeper [in these circumstances]. However, I think it’s really important that we’re proactive in case that eventuality happens.”
Schwarzer, who picked up the injury when he collided with team-mate Steve Sidwell, is confident he’ll be fine to play in Thursday’s Europa League match against Danish side Odense: "It was a back spasm but hopefully that’ll be it. I’ve had some treatment.
"I landed on my arm with it behind my back, so it was a bit painful but hopefully it won’t be anything major.”
The Australian admits he was considering making way for sub Neil Etheridge on Saturday: "I was thinking about coming off. Etheridge would’ve been disappointed he didn't get on."
Closer to home, Blues boss Jewell expects Jason Scotland to be involved in training this morning, despite limping off in the closing stages at Boro on Saturday: "Jason got stamped on accidentally.
"I was going to make a different substitution but when I saw Jason get the knock it made sense to bring him off. He was in yesterday, a little bit stiff, but hopefully he’ll be OK for this morning.”
The Town manager also anticipates Ibrahima Sonko making a rare training ground appearance today: "Hopefully he’ll train this morning. He deserves great credit Sonks. I wasn’t joking when I said he’s played more games than he’s trained.
"Basically, we’ve wheeled him out there to play. The physio deserves a lot of credit and so does the lad himself.
"After the game on Monday I thought he had no chance of playing on Saturday because the injury was quite nasty. But the physio’s worked well with him and through his desire and determination, he’s got through the game.
"I think everyone can see he’s tiring at the back end of games but his power and his presence is getting him through.”