Source: FOOTYMAD
Cranie doubtful for Boro
Injury blow for Coleman Coventry City's influential defender Martin Cranie yesterday, limped away from the training session and is now doubtful for the trip to Middlesbrough on Saturday. Cranie is a natural right back, but has been playing left back to cover for injuries in recent games. The 23 year old defender will undergo a late fitness test, either this afternoon or tomorrow morning. If he fails, Marcus Hall could make the team in what might be his last game for the Sky Blues. Hall did not get the contract renewal he wanted and will leave the club in the summer. Chris Hussey is the left back in waiting, but Coleman might not want to risk denting his confidence further after he was replaced in the Reading game, where he had a very poor game. The other option Coleman could go for is the other youngster Jordan Clarke, who, like Cranie is a right back. Cranie's injury is the latest set back for Chris Coleman, who will not have striker Freddy Sears and might be without Aron Gunnarsson who also picked up an injury in training earlier in the week. Gunnarsson is recovering from his knock and could be fit for Saturday and Stead, Osbourne and Turner are all definitely out. City boss Chris Coleman said, “We wanted a fit squad going into the last two games and we haven’t got that. You are only as strong as your bench and we had a lot of young lads on the bench last week and there might be even more this week." “There is still no Freddie Sears, unfortunately, and Martin Cranie had a bang on his knee in training and he limped off, so he could be a doubt for Boro. I am tempted to give one or two of the younger lads a run out. If we can’t get anywhere near the mid table maybe I will have a little look for 45 minutes and give them a little taste." "It is something I have thought about and I wouldn’t rule it out. We see how it goes in the game. I have been pleased with them this week if I am honest. They trained well yesterday and the defenders looked sharp and as if they have got a point to prove which is always a good sign." "The same goes for the rest of the players and there is no sign of them thinking they haven’t got long to go. They have all been very professional." Speaking about his side's chances at The Riverside, especially considering the disappointment they are feeling on missing out on a play off spot last week when they were beaten 2-0 by West Brom, Coleman is open minded about their reaction,he explained,“There could be a backlash from them or they could be on a downer." "You are always playing for personal pride and first and foremost the players have got to win their personal battles against their opposite number and if they do that collectively, then you generally get a result. Any game you go into you should want to win, whether it is the first or last game, or second from last of the season.”
