Cherries: Howe to make late decision on Jalal fitness

30 November 2009 17:23
Cherries boss Eddie Howe will give injury doubt Shwan Jalal until the last possible moment to prove his fitness ahead of tomorrow's League Two clash at Barnet.[LNB] The influential goalkeeper missed Saturday's FA Cup defeat against Notts County with an ankle problem and he is still struggling ahead of the Underhill showdown.[LNB] Speaking ahead of training this morning, Howe said: "We hope Jalal will be okay but we don't know, so we will have to wait and see how he reacts to training today and tomorrow."[LNB] Rookie Dan Thomas, who stepped in against County, is set to deputise again if Jalal fails to recover in time.[LNB] Discussing the 18-year-old, Howe added: "He's learning all the time. In an ideal world, it's probably a little bit too early for him. But we do like him and time is on his side."[LNB] Meanwhile, keen to cover all the angles, boss Howe ran the rule over West Ham prospect Marek Stech in training today.[LNB] However, it appears highly unlikely Cherries will pursue the possibility of an emergency loan at this stage.[LNB]

Source: Bournemouth_Echo