Ling ponders Jarvis replacement
Torquay boss Martin Ling has a number of options as he looks to replace Ryan Jarvis against Exeter at Plainmoor.
The 26-year-old former Norwich man is sidelined with a fractured rib and punctured lung sustained in their 1-1 draw with Northampton and looks set to miss the next two months.
Ling, who began his playing career with the Grecians, could give Billy Bodin the nod if he shakes off an ankle injury or play Nathan Craig behind targetman Rene Howe while Ashley Yeoman comes into contention.
Torquay remain without Ian Morris (Achilles) and Lloyd Macklin (broken metatarsal) while centre-back Brian Saah will miss out through suspension for his straight red card at Bradford.
The Gulls boss also announced this week that he will not be offering a contract to attacker Eric Odhiambo. The former Leicester and Inverness man spent a two-week trial with the Gulls.
Torquay welcome their Devon rivals having lost just once at home all season but only Gillingham have a better away record than the Grecians who have won 22 points on their travels.
Exeter midfielder Tommy Doherty is a doubt for the derby.
The Northern Ireland international is described as `touch and go' for the short trip to Plainmoor, having not featured since the 1-0 defeat to Rotherham in November.
Matt Oakley will hope to travel despite being withdrawn against Plymouth last weekend through injury, with Jimmy Keohane set to deputise if the former Southampton man is not passed fit.
And assistant manager Rob Edwards, who played a crucial role in a memorable play-off semi-final victory the last time City travelled to Plainmoor in 2009, is confident that a number of the Exeter players will shrug off knocks to feature.
"They're a fantastic group - they all want to play," he said. "And they realise that you need to play with a couple of bumps and bruises. They're all willing to do it for the club and for the manager.
"No doubt if anyone's got a chance of playing on Saturday, they'll play. It won't be that they're precious or anything."
Source: PA
