Dimitar may stay if Collins still out
BURTON Albion could look to extend Dimitar Evtimov’s contract at the club - depending on the fitness of Chelsea loanee Bradley Collins.
Former Nottingham Forest man Evtimov was signed on a one-month deal last month after Collins injured his thigh in the draw at Accrington Stanley and with Stephen Bywater already on the sidelines with a shoulder problem.
Evtimov’s current Brewers deal is due to expire on Sunday.
But Nigel Clough says they could keep him at the Pirelli Stadium past that date if Collins is kept out by a back problem sustained in training on Monday.
Collins will be assessed ahead of Saturday’s League One game at home to Bristol Rovers.
“Brad just went for one and fell awkwardly,” said Clough.
“But he is slightly ahead of Stephen Bywater, who is doing some light goalkeeping work at the moment, but only light - you’ve got to be careful on diving on his shoulder.
“Obviously Dimitar’s month is up after Saturday but we can extend it if we need to, because he has been very solid for us.
“When you think he has come in without playing too much football, I don’t think he’s cost us anything at all.
“It will [depend on Collins’ fitness].
“The plan was for Brad to play in the Checkatrade Trophy at Port Vale on Tuesday with a view to being available on Saturday, seeing how he is and then choosing between him and Dimitar.
“And then on Tuesday at Nuneaton Borough (in the Birmingham Senior Cup), Harry Campbell was going to play, it’d probably be a bit too early for Stephen. Dimitar Evtimov’s one-month deal at Burton Albion ends after Saturday’s game against Bristol Rovers.