Sidelined stars must keep their spirits up says Baraclough
SCUNTHORPE United boss Ian Baraclough has admitted keeping spirits up among injured players has been one of the most important parts of their recovery.
A sizeable portion of the Iron squad have been felled by injury over the course of the season.
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Cliff Byrne
Although Garry Thompson and Michael O'Connor are nearing returns to first team football following lengthy lay-offs, along with Rob Jones and Niall Canavan, Joe Murphy and Cliff Byrne continue to sit out games with ankle and back problems respectively.
"You have got to keep those lads right mentally," said Baraclough.
"It is difficult when you have been used to playing a lot of games like they have.
"To be in the treatment room for long periods, they have got to keep their spirits up.
"Both Joe Murphy and Cliff Byrne were out on the training ground and hopefully that will give them a boost on their long road to recovery."
Although making positive noises about O'Connor, Thompson may well be a little while longer.
"Michael looks stronger for where he has been in the last couple of weeks," added the Iron boss. "He won't be far off now from coming into full training.
"Garry still might be a little way off, but he has trained, doing functional work, and that is good."
2 Comments
by 1500club, World of Sport
Saturday, March 05 2011, 1:03PM
“I have my doubts that Murphy, Jones or O'Connor are injured.
In fairness, Byrne is rarely crocked and he is clearly busting to play again...however, even in tis team he is far from anywhere near a first choice.
Up the Iron!”
by john, Scunny
Saturday, March 05 2011, 10:20AM
“Its about time these "injuries" were cleared up. The amount of lost time must have cost a fortune.There should be some improvement in what was described as "minor injuries".Haigh, Hubbard,Brownsword and others didnt seem to be bothered about a bit of a knock. I bet IF we get a decent run going it will have a better effect than all the physio they have had.”