Glyn Hodges said that Jaakko Oksanen will miss out on the squad to face Blackpool on Tuesday night, but he reported no other injury concerns.
The on-loan midfielder injured his ankle in the first-half of Saturday’s draw at Burton Albion, but our manager said it’s too early to assess the extent of the damage. Glyn is also considering changes during a hectic spell of matches this month.
“Jaakko is going to be out, but we are just waiting for a diagnosis,” said Glyn. “Hopefully, it won’t be for too long. Other than Jaakko, everyone else is fully fit. We will probably make a couple of changes, but we will look at it overnight, and we will see. With the games coming thick and fast, it’s just making sure the energy levels are there to give us the best chance to win.”
Attacking right wing-back Shane McLoughlin has provided a real positive this season with his all-action displays down the flank – and Glyn was full of praise for the Irishman after he was selected for the League One team of the week.
“He was terrific on Tuesday and he carried his performance on,” added Glyn. “When we spoke with Shane we wanted him to be more aggressive in his position, to be more dangerous, and get himself into crossing positions, and goalscoring positions – he’s already scored this season. Credit to him as he’s working hard, looking fit, and he deserves the accolade.
“You look at players and who can fit in where, and maybe double up. That’s the key for the squad – you have to look at players who can play in different positions: centre-backs who can play in three positions across the back, wing-backs who can become full-backs and wingers, and we have midfielders who can play the holding role. We have players who can play in all different roles. You look at that and it’s the make-up of your squad. Shane can play in numerous positions.”
Glyn added that training at our new stadium in Plough Lane had provided a boost for the boys ahead of Tuesday’s match versus Blackpool.
“It’s magnificent, you can see that the boys are buzzing. It’s our second session down here and every time you come here you pinch yourself, and we are looking forward to it. The year has gone really quickly and it is upon us, and this (the new stadium) is improving every time you come here. It shows you that the impossible can be achieved.
“We’ve only got one point from our home games so far, which isn’t good enough. We need a win, and hopefully we can continue with that momentum when we come back here.”
Listen to Rob Cornell's full interview with Glyn by clicking on the link below.