Source: FOOTYMAD
Selection headache for Boothroyd
Injuries and bans are taking their toll Coventry City manager Aidy Boothroyd takes his side to Doncaster today without some key players. First choice goalkeeper Kieren Westwood is doubtful and will undergo a fitness test this morning and if he fails Boothroyd will try to recruit an emergency loan 'keeper as his second choice goalie Danny Ireland is definitely out injured. That leaves him with 19 year old Michael Quirke as his only fit goalkeeper. Top scorer Marlon King is also out as he starts his four match ban for being sent off against Bristol City on Saturday. Fellow striker Clive Platt will also undergo a late fitness test as he recovers from a calf strain. Strikers Freddy Eastwood and Lukas Jutkiewicz are both fit and will probably lead the line tonight. Utlity player Martin Cranie is availalbe again after serving his one game ban and will probably start the game, possibly at left back as Stephen O'Halloran has had a torrid time in that position since returning to the squad after injury. Chris Hussey is also fit and available for selection so it could be a toss up which defender plays in which position. Doncaster Rovers have their own injury worries, but the City boss is still wary of a side that is inconsistent and unpredictable. Boothroyd said, “I went to their game against Derby and it just shows you the division. I know they have got a few injuries like us and they got beat 6-0 at home by Ipswich and then they go and turn Derby over 3-1. “Derby beat Sheffield United and then get beat by Doncaster, so that’s the nature of the league and that’s why it is always really important that we are in games for as long as we can.” Like Coventry City, Doncaster also were on the wrong end of a thrashing, losing 5-2 at Leeds, but if Leeds had taken only half of their chances the score could have been into double figures. Boothroyd is a bit worried about the threat of Rovers striker Billy Sharpe, who scored in their defeat at Leeds to make it three goals in two games, but he has a hernia and has to be careful not to exacerbate the problem/ Boothroyd joked, “He’s a good player and their main threat, and I was really hopeful the other night that he pulled his groin, but I am sure he’ll be fit for our game. " "He’s a very good player and at a time when people go looking for super star strikers, in Sheffield United’s case there was one right under their nose and he went away and came back again, but it seems that Doncaster is his spiritual home, although I am sure there are nicer places he’d like to have a spiritual home, but that’s where it is." "They love him and he loves it there, and he’ll certainly be a handful for our back four.”
