Swindon V Scunthorpe at County Ground : Match Preview

19 October 2012 10:01
Swindon V Scunthorpe - view commentary, squad, and statistics of the game live.

Iron could be without two key defenders Scunthorpe skipper Paul Reid is once again in a race to be fit to make his first appearance of the season at Swindon. The central defender broke a bone in his hand in the summer before his comeback was scuppered first by a groin injury and then a calf strain, which kept him out of a behind-closed-doors friendly in midweek. Fellow centre-half David Mirfin begins a three-game ban following his dismissal last week in the home draw with Brentford and it is likely that Callum Kennedy will make his first start since the end of August following a fractured toe, with Tom Newey moving inside to partner Niall Canavan in central defence. Striker Karl Hawley is hoping to return to contention after missing three matches with a twisted ankle and midfielder Josh Walker is pushing for a recall after making way for Robbie Gibbons last week. Midfielder Michael Collins (Achilles) and Damien Mozika (ankle) are both closing in on a return to action following long-term injuries. The Iron, third from bottom of the table, are chasing only their third league win of the season. Swindon boss Paolo Di Canio will be without Alan Navarro. The midfielder was stretchered off in the final minutes of last weekend's draw with Coventry and there were initial fears of a lengthy spell on the sidelines. However, after further assessment he has been ruled out for up to four weeks with medial ligament damage and is currently being treated in Rome. Regular skipper Alan McCormack could be in line for a return having missed the Robins last two matches with a hamstring complaint. McCormack would take the armband back from fellow midfielder Tommy Miller who he is likely to partner in place of the injured Navarro. Tottenham loanee John Bostock is also expected to retain his place in Di Canio's starting XI having impressed on his debut against the Sky Blues last weekend.

Source: PA