Winger Worries

Last updated : 14 February 2002 By Andy Beill
David Beresford
David Beresford - on sidelines
The lightning-fast winger had to come off during the Rushden & Diamonds game after damaging his hamstring. He is now expected to sit out and allow it to heal itself.

Assistant Manager and qualified physiotherapist Kevan Smith said: "Ideally, we wouldn't want to make many changes after last Saturday and 'Bez' is a very important player for us.
"However, his hamstring isn't right and if he played against Torquay and suffered even more damage, we could be looking at five of six weeks. It's not worth the gamble - not at this stage of the season."

Beresford is still doing light training, but his hamstring is restricting him from doing any more.

The 25-year-old said: "I did some running in training yesterday but the hamstring is still sore. It's been troubling me for two or three weeks now.
"Saturday is a big game but if the hamstring went completely, I'd really be struggling. I'm happy to go along with whatever the gaffer decides but it might be better to miss one game and play in the next six rather than the other way round."

Beresford's availability is particularly important for when Jason Van Blerk serves a suspension later in the month, with Andy Holt required at left-back.

For the time being, Holt is expected to replace Beresford on the left wing for the Torquay game. However, Lee Philpott and Neil Mann are injury-free and may get a look-in. Theo Whitmore could shift out wide or Mike Price may get a rare call-up. Predominantly right-sided players Ben Morley and Rob Matthews could play on their less-favoured flank.

Holt remains the favourite to play but, as ever, Brian Little is keeping his cards close to his chest.