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McKenna: Jackson Injury Significant But I Can See Him Being Part of the Future Here
Thursday, 17th Mar 2022 14:59

Manager Kieran McKenna says it’s unlikely that striker Kayden Jackson will play again before the end of the league season but says the 28-year-old, who is out of contract in the summer, is a player he sees as being part of the future of the club, while a decision will be made on whether skipper Sam Morsy is fit enough to face Oxford on Saturday will be made tomorrow.

Jackson suffered a hamstring injury just before half-time in last week’s 0-0 home draw with Portsmouth and the problem is every bit as bad as McKenna had feared after the game.

“Kayden unfortunately, as we thought after the game, quite a significant hamstring injury, so he’s had his scan this week and is going to be out for a significant amount of time,” he said.

“Unlikely at this stage that he will play too much football before the end of the season. It’ll be very tight to be back certainly in time for any of the league games that we have remaining.

“Disappointed for him, a big loss for the group as well but he’s been a credit to himself how he’s applied himself over the last few months, he’s done a really good job for the team and now we have other people waiting in the wings who are ready to play and looking to play and excited to play, so we have good options in that position.”

Jackson’s Town career had appeared to be over until McKenna took over as boss but the former Accrington man has turned things around dramatically since then.

“The main thing is that he’s a really strong character, he’s been through some significant ups and downs already in his career and in his time here,” the Blues boss continued.


“I’ve had some conversations with him and knowing the type of personality he is, he’ll look to come back stronger, he’ll look to work on things off the pitch and especially in the gym when he’s not able to play and train with the group.

“He’ll look to get himself back in really good condition. He’s a boy who looks after himself really, really well anyway from a physical point of view, but there are always things that you can do in this sort of time period that can develop other areas whenever you’re injured and I know he’s going to look to do that.

“He’s certainly been relatively positive during the week and is looking forward to the future.”

Asked whether there had been any conversations about a new contract with Jackson’s current terms up in the summer, McKenna said: “I’ve not been involved in any form of conversations yet.

“From quite early on from seeing how well he trained and how he went about his business, I’ve had private conversations with him where I’ve expressed that I can see him being part of the future here and part of the type of squad and type of team that we’re trying to build.

“But I think there’s been no formal announcement yet from the club and I know that the club will continue to look at that.

“We haven’t had anything formally yet in terms of decisions on renewing or leaving at the end of the season, that process will still continue over the next few weeks and Kayden will be part of that but he’s certainly a player I see having a part to play in where we want to take the team over the next couple of years.”

Regarding captain Morsy, who has been forced off by a hamstring problem in both Town’s last two games, McKenna added: “Sam Morsy has had a scan, the situation isn’t very different to how it was going into last week, no significant damage but obviously he’s had a little issue there that needs constant management.

“He hasn’t trained with the group as of yet this week. He’s been back on the grass for the first time today and is hoping to play some part in tomorrow’s session and is really keen to be involved in the game as a leader as he is for the team, but we have to make the right decision.

“We’ll see how he goes tomorrow in training and we’ll make a decision that is right, that is the best thing for the team and the best thing for Sam as well.”

Regarding midfielder Lee Evans, who has had a knee problem, the Northern Irishman added: “Lee’s back on the grass but not with the team yet, back with the fitness and rehab coaches. We’re hoping that he’ll be able to get involved in some team training next week.”

Winger Kyle Edwards remains sidelined with his quad injury: “Still a significant period away. He’s part of a group that we’ve been unfortunate with lately, a really innocuous injury that’s going to take some significant time to heal.

“He’s working hard here behind the scenes with the medical team and starting to progress his gym work, but he’s still a significant way off even being on the pitch for real base level work. Unfortunately we won’s see him for quite a while yet.”

Better news is that 20-year-old striker Tyreece Simpson is over the knock which he picked up recently and with Jackson out moves up the pecking order.

“He’s back training, he’s trained with us just over the last couple of days, so he’s now fit and available,”

“Obviously when you lose a player your percentage chances go up. We obviously still have three senior strikers on the books who are available and wanting to compete for the minutes, but as I’ve said all along, Tyreece is a part of the club and it’s up to him to show in training and show on every opportunity he gets at the training ground here that he’s deserving of minutes and opportunities in the squad.

“He’s trained well over the last couple of days so we’ll keep working and looking with him towards the end of the season and if we feel it’s the right thing for the team and he can bring something extra to the team, there’s a chance that that opportunity will come.”


Photo: Matchday Images



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IpswichToon added 15:13 - Mar 17
It's been a little while since we've seen injuries start to stack up. But at least this time round the strength in depth we have is significant.

Is 8 games without dropping a point too much to ask? :D
3

not_a_witty_name added 15:20 - Mar 17
Before Christmas this wouldn't have been news so it's testimony to his character how he not only got himself back into the team but got himself to be one of the first names written onto the team sheet. I hope he recovers well and picks up from where he left off.
I can't remember the last time a player proved so much of us wrong.
9

BromleyBloo added 15:41 - Mar 17
Have to admit KJ has surprised me over the last few weeks, so credit to him, but looking at his record over his whole time with us, come the end of the season surely we can do better?!? Strikes me as a speedy athlete, but not sure he is a technically a footballer of any note and his first touch is almost always dire………………..
0

BromleyBloo added 15:42 - Mar 17
Have to admit KJ has surprised me over the last few weeks, so credit to him, but looking at his record over his whole time with us, come the end of the season surely we can do better?!? Strikes me as a speedy athlete, but not sure he is a technically a footballer of any note and his first touch is almost always dire………………..
-1

BromleyBloo added 15:43 - Mar 17
………………..I hope a chance for Simpson, who potentially could really surprise, or somebody else to step up???
6

PositivelyPortman added 16:01 - Mar 17
“obviously, obviously” stop it KMac.
-1

Linkboy13 added 16:16 - Mar 17
Don't really care what anybody else thinks of Jackson on here McKenna obviously rates him. He might not be able to trap a bag of cement but Bonne. Pigott and Nogood look like they are carrying one and unless their form improves cannot see them being at the club next season the proverbial cart horses if you ask me. If Simpson is ready McKenna will give him his chance simple as that.
4

Bazza8564 added 16:21 - Mar 17
I think KJ can do a job for us at this level, and if we are consigned to L1 again next season, as looks likely, I think he deserves another shot.
Should we dare to dream about play-offs and Championship, the thinking might be a bit different but KM knows football better than we all do so I'll happily defer to his judgement.
Sad that Sam is still struggling, we certainly have to win Saturday, but having gambled on him last week i really cant see the guvnor gambling again unless the odds are better.
On Simpson, i'm certainly curious but I personally think a spell off the bench in a home game would be the time to give him a run and I cant see him being thrown in against Oxford if he's just back from injury.

Big big game though, lose that and other results go badly is almost unthinkable. COYB
2

DeliasMashedPotato added 16:36 - Mar 17
Let's give the lad tyreece a go. Fairytale ending from one of our own?
1

TimmyH added 17:04 - Mar 17
Sadly wouldn't be surprised if Kayden somewhat loses his speed after this hamstring injury and sods law just as he was getting a period of renewed confidence. As for Morsy I'd be surprised if he makes it for Saturday which will be a big loss...seems a strange one with no signs of him limping or holding it so must be somewhat of a nagging strain that doesn't go away.

1

jas0999 added 17:07 - Mar 17
Unfortunate for him. Certainly a few longer term injuries in the squad. We have depth though.
0

BeattiesBackPocket added 18:16 - Mar 17
Gutted for him as has been playing well and gives us pace up front.

I still feel we don't have a 20 plus instinctive box striker at the club or at least noones proven they can be at this level as yet but more than sure McKenna knows this and will address this in the summer. A lot of positives whether we go up or not this season under McKenna and all without a pre season and decent transfer window.
1

istanblue added 18:24 - Mar 17
Time for Norwood! #PlayNorwood
2

reva added 18:53 - Mar 17
I think KJ is flourishing under the leadership and encouragement of McKenna - what a difference a manager can make to some players who just need to be shown the way - This is not just the case for KJ but the whole team as they know what the manager wants - feel the arm of encouragement around them - and they go and get the job done - SIMPLES!!
1

Bobsthename added 22:52 - Mar 17
This kind of talk is my only worry i'm thinking McKenna should be looking for better strikers Jackson not all that in my eyes and if we have ambitions for higher standards then we need to get the strikers in accordingly we only have to look at recent 0-0 draws which i my eyes has all but cost us play offs.
1

Linkboy13 added 11:00 - Mar 18
One or two on here not convinced by McKenna's managership. Can't really fault his decisions so far apart from the playing of Morsy when not fit but that's most likely down to the player.
0

dangerous30 added 15:25 - Mar 18
It amazing what a good manger can do for a player Jackson was always a good player just look at his pass and I am glad he is showing that and it's a shame he is injured
0


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