Fab and Scowy Doubtful
Thursday, 19th Apr 2001 15:01

Fabian Wilnis and James Scowcroft are Town's main worries ahead of Saturday's game with Coventry. Wilnis injured his ankle on Saturday against Newcastle while Scowcroft has a hamstring problem aggravated in the Liverpool and Newcastle games.

George Burley said: "Two didn't train today, Fabian Wilnis and James Scowcroft. Both are struggling. Scowcroft is more unlikely than Fabian."

Of John McGreal who watched Monday's game at Middlesbrough from the stand swith a virus the Town manager said: "John McGreal had a virus but he trained OK today."

Alun Armstrong took a knock at Middlesbrough, but he is not a worry ahead of the visit of Coventry. The game at Middlesbrough saw a number of players miss out with injury, but the Town manager was pleased with the performance: "A number were out with injury but it did not affect our display."

The Town manager said of Coventry: "They are fighting for their lives and have had three wins out of four. John Hartson has helped them as far as goals are concerned. We have beaten them twice already this season in close games."

Gordon Strachan, an old international colleague of Burley's, was described as "an exceptional player" by the Town manager who will seek to put his former comrade nearer relegation on Saturday. Coventry's remarkable record of escapology was described by the Town manager as "Amazing! They always seem to come up trumps."

Burley said of his own team: "We are in good form but know we'll be in for a tough game. The Champions' League hasn't entered our thoughts. We've got to try and keep going. Anything is a bonus now we're safe in the Premiership."

Town need just four points (as long as Liverpool are in the top five) to secure a UEFA Cup spot (by our reckoning), but the Champions' League must also surely be in their sights.

John Scales' latest column is now available on the site. John writes about Newcastle, Middlesbrough, Coventry, Alaun Armstrong, Richard Naylor and the general mood within the Town camp. Find his column here: http://www.twtd.co.uk/scales

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Photo: Action Images

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