Bostwick is close to a return
BURTON Albion are back in action tonight with a home game against Cambridge United in the EFL Trophy (7pm) and manager Jake Buxton will be forced to make changes – although it is likely he would have done so anyway.
Nonetheless, Buxton will view the game as an important chance to get his defence to tighten up after conceding a damaging eight goals in the last two matches.
The fact that the Brewers have scored two themselves in each of the last three League One games indicates that, at one end of the pitch, they have been doing enough to earn points – they did so against Accrington Stanley by keeping the opposition to one goal.
With the probable exception of Kieran Wallace, Buxton is likely to have most of his defenders available tonight.
Right-back Neal Eardley was said to be closing in on a return at the weekend after a quad injury but Michael Bostwick (calf) is unlikely to be risked before Saturday’s trip to play Plymouth Argyle.
Goalkeeper Kieran O’Hara looks to be in line for his first match since February, having completed a six-game suspension, during which time he joined Burton permanently after being on loan from Manchester United last season.
Further forward, Jack Roles and Stephen Quinn will not play.
“There are some players who need minutes and game time but we will have to make changes,” said Buxton.
“Jack Roles goes away with Cyprus and Charles Vernam will struggle to play again after coming back from injury and managing 60 minutes on Saturday. Quinny will be struggling, as he has been feeling his knee for a while. Kieran Wallace pulled his hamstring in training and was only capable of sitting on the bench (on Saturday) as well.”
Buxton has also hinted that he may need another dip into the transfer market before the domestic window closes.
“We are hoping to get Michael Bostwick fit and on the pitch at least by Plymouth, as he will play a massive part in those heading battles we have been speaking about,” he said. “But we may need new personnel in there to deal with the set-plays we are struggling with.”