SELECTION HEADACHE

Who will partner John McCombe at Northampton?

With Richard Duffy out injured, defender Adam yates looks odds on start at Northampton tomorrow afternoon, but who will take the place of central defender Clayton McDonald who must serve a one-match suspension?

Stand-in skipper John McCombe wouldn’t be drawn on his opinion, but he knows whether it be youngster Joe Davis or old-hand Gareth Owen, none of them are likely to let the side down.

“Joe came in and did well the other night. He’s a good prospect and has got a good future ahead of him.” said John yesterday.

“Obviously Gaz Owen is an experienced player and he is more than capable of coming in and doing a job. He hasn’t played much football this season and he is disappointed not to be playing, but he obviously wants to get back into the team and I know he is more than good enough.

“Both of them will have been frustrated at not playing more often, but when the team is winning games and you’re not in that team you have got to stay patient.

“You know that at some point in the season there is going to be injuries and suspensions, like there are at the moment, and when you get that chance you have got to take it.

“Every footballer wants to play games and Gaz is a great professional and a great lad who wants to go out there and give his all for the team but the gaffer hasn’t had him in the eleven this season and he has just been working hard in training, but I know for a fact if he does get a chance he will be ready to play.

“Being part of the PFA he has done a lot with us while we have been in administration and with being on the coaching staff as well he helps the young lads out quite a lot.

“He is someone who is great to have around the players and around the club and I know he will be desperate to get back out on the playing field.”

Don’t forget. The match kicks off an hour early at 2.00pm, so tune in early if you wish to listen to full match commentary on Radio Stoke or through Valiant Player.

You can also get match updates on Twitter – just make sure you are following @OfficialPVFC