Johnnie Jackson says that shirts are up for grabs and he’ll inject some youthful exuberance into the line-up, as we look to get our season back on track at Barrow.
Academy graduates Jack Currie and Huseyin Biler are prime examples of players who have excelled at first-team level when called upon this season, and Johnnie will now provide a platform for more of our young talents to step-up due to a growing injury list.
Alex Pearce (groin) and striker Josh Davison will both be out for at least a couple of weeks, while centre-back Paul Kalambayi (knee) has been ruled out for the rest of the campaign. With Ali Al Hamadi (Iraq), Aaron Pierre (Grenada) and Chris Gunter (coaching with Wales) all on international duty and therefore lessening options further, our manager has challenged others to step forward.
“There’s opportunities now,” said Johnnie. “We’ve recalled loan boys and Alfie Bendle was out there again last Saturday. There will be further opportunities with the nature of the injury list and international call-ups.
“More than ever, there’s going to be chance for these young boys. There could be debuts on Saturday and it’s important that they are ready to step-up and grasp opportunities. Like I’ve always said, if you’re given the shirt you have an opportunity to keep it. I’m not afraid to give debuts to young players, or keep them in the team if they do well.
“It’s fantastic that the Club does this and has that pathway for these lads to progress into senior football. It doesn’t matter what you’ve done in your career up until now, you’ll be given the opportunity if you’re good enough. Hopefully we’ll see some of the boys grab their opportunities at the weekend.”
Strikers Quaine Bartley (Harrow Borough) and David Fisher (Hampton & Richmond) have both been recalled from their loans and add to our numbers for the trip north.
Defender Lee Brown (hamstring strain) and forward Diallang Jaiyesimi (hamstring) are both back outside and working with Head of Sports Science Chris McConnell. The Charlton loanee has returned to us and, similar to Brown, both are in the final stages of their rehabilitation.
While having to deal with a lengthy list of absentees, Johnnie values greatly the support shown by our fans - especially those prepared to make a long journey again and get behind the Dons at Holker Street.
“The support that we’ve had up and down the country this year has been remarkable,” added Johnnie. “It’s been absolutely incredible. What this club has done over the years is pull together in adversity.
“We’re on a tricky, challenging run, in terms of results, but we are down to the absolute bare bones as a squad. We’re going to need everyone to support our young lads, possibly those making their debuts – that’s invaluable.
“Every time we go away they travel in their numbers and there’s probably not a harder place to get to in the league than Barrow away! More than ever, we want to send them home with something to shout about.”