Source: SKY_Sports
Hodgson holds Barnes concern
Fulham boss Roy Hodgson admits he would be reluctant to gamble on signing Giles Barnes without seeing the on-loan midfielder play.[LNB] Barnes joined the Premier League club from Derby County in January, but has yet to make a first-team appearance.[LNB]The 20-year-old has been struggling with an Achilles problem which is hampering his prospects of securing a £2million move to Craven Cottage at the end of the season.[LNB]And Hodgson concedes that, while Barnes may be available on the cheap, he is not keen to sign a player who he has not seen in action.[LNB]Terribly unlucky"If the worst happens and we have to inject him - then it's two weeks before he can play while the ankle settles down - and that would take us through to the end of the season," said Hodgson in the Ealing Gazette.[LNB]"You say it might be cheaper to buy an injured player. But it would mean we would be taking a chance on somebody whom we haven't researched properly."[LNB]Hodgson has praised Barnes' improvement in his general fitness since his temporary switch and has no complaints about his attitude.[LNB]He added: "Giles' body shape has changed enormously since he's been here. His body mass index is now very acceptable, and his attitude has been first class - he's just been terribly unlucky."[LNB]
