Slocombe in Iron frame Scunthorpe goalkeeper Sam Slocombe could be a surprise inclusion in the starting line-up against Tranmere. Slocombe sustained a dead leg in the weekend defeat at Portsmouth and was replaced by James Severn midway through the first half, but has recovered quicker than anticipated and is hoping to start. Skipper Paul Reid made his long-awaited return to the bench as an unused substitute on Saturday after recovering from a broken bone in his hand, but manager Alan Knill is loathe to rush him back. Reid, yet to feature for the Iron this season, ideally requires a reserve-team run-out, as does fellow defender Callum Kennedy, who has been sidelined since the end of August with a toe injury. Knill, who has no other new injury or suspension worries, must decide whether to hand Chris Sedgwick his first start, while fellow midfielders Damien Mozika (ankle) Michael Collins (tendonitis) remain long-term absentees. Tranmere boss Ronnie Moore is likely to be without three players. James Wallace, Andy Robinson and Ben Gibson all picked up knocks as the league leaders drew 1-1 against Brentford at the weekend. Wallace is a major doubt after picking up a leg injury and is the most likely of the trio to be missing. Loanee Ben Gibson has a calf injury while midfielder Robinson picked up a groin strain. The pair will be given every chance to prove their fitness ahead of the game. Should all three be absent, Moore is looking for his squad players to step up to the challenge of replacing them. "This gives the lads who have had to sit out an opportunity," he told the club's website. "If they come in and do well and we get the result then they'll stay in."
Source: PA
