Team for Friday, injuries and speculation.

Last updated : 28 January 2003 By Michael Morris

"I find it hard to believe we set a club record for away games without defeat not that long ago. That must have included a fair number of set plays. Yet we now look incapable of keeping a clean sheet ever again. I have to do something, I really do. Maybe that means bringing others in, or working with what we have here, I don't know. Unless I stop it, we can't move forward as a team. There isn't enough pride and determination to keep a clean sheet, especially in games like the one against Huddersfield. If it's 0-0, you go away a bit disappointed. But the inability to cope with routine set-plays is driving me mad."

Lennie Lawrence in Mondays Echo.

The realisation that something is wrong looks like it will have an impact on Fridays team selection.

If there are no new additions to the squad then it's been suggested that Lennie will revert to a lop sided 4 - 4 - 2 with changes in defence and midfield. The noises coming from Ninian Park suggest that Gary Croft will be recalled at left back with Chris Barker moving into central defence. Spencer Prior looks set to be dropped as Scott Young will partner Barker. Rhys Weston is hoped will be fit after a hamstring injury at Huddersfield.

In midfield Alan Mahon will start for a full home debut with Kav returning from injury and Boland from suspension. Mark Bonner will complete the middle four play on the right hand side. That suggests that there will be no place for Jason Bowen.

No change is expected up from with Earnie and Thorne.

It would also mean Andy Legg misses out. Nothing has been mentioned about the goalkeeper. I would expect Alexander to keep his place with Margetson playing at TNS tonight.

Thats all speculation though, we will not know for sure until later in the week.

Layton Maxwell has had a stomach muscle strain, Leo looks to be out for a couple of weeks after coming off injured against Huddersfield. Gabbidon is said to be in full training but not ready to play yet, Whalley is still out for several weeks. Kav should be back after a stomach illness while Scott Young should be OK after a shin injury at Huddersfield.

As for player speculation the extremely unofficial rumours are claiming a defender is due in this week. Nothing further.