Defensive worries for Speed

01 October 2010 09:30
Sheffield United manager Gary Speed is short of central defenders for his side's home clash with Watford. Skipper Chris Morgan is currently sidelined with a hamstring strain and Kyle Bartley, on loan from Arsenal, suffered a depressed fracture of the cheekbone in the midweek draw at Nottingham Forest. Matt Lowton, 21, replaced Bartley on Tuesday night and Speed also has the option of playing Johnny Ertl in central defence alongside Nyron Nosworthy or another recent loan signing, Ritchie De Laet. Manchester United defender De Laet made his first start against Forest at full-back. French defender Jean Calve, rested in midweek, could return in that position if required. Speed, also without suspended striker Jamie Ward, revealed he has doubts about several other unnamed players for the Watford game, while long-term absentees Darius Henderson, Ryan France and Lee Williamson are continuing with their rehabilitation.

Source: PA