Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
Goodwin must keep patience over Middleton after time out
Forfar hope loanee will be back for decisive matches
JIM Goodwin insists he won’t take any chances with Glenn Middleton as he battles back from a troublesome hamstring injury.
The 23-year-old last played for Dundee United against Ross County at the end of last month.
The former Rangers winger, who has seen a specialist about the recurring injury, has been a big loss for the relegation-haunted Terrors.
However, Tannadice boss Goodwin will continue to tread carefully with Middleton’s recovery in the hope that he will be fully fit for the post-split matches which could prove key to United’s survival hopes.
The manager stated: “It is hard to put a timescale on how long Glenn is going to be out.
“It is a hamstring injury that he has had a recurrence of.
“We are trying not to force the issue too much and to lose him for when the games come in the split.
“We really need to take small steps with Glenn.
“We have missed him. You need that bit of pace and creativity in the team.”
Meanwhile, Darren Watson could be back for Forfar’s League Two run in – despite the Dundee United kid breaking his leg.
Watson suffered a hairline fracture to his left leg whilst training at United that has kept him out since the 1-1 draw with Stenhousemuir on February 11th.
Watson returned to his parent club for scans and rehab and is likely to miss the next few weeks for Forfar.
It’s a bitter blow to Watson who suffered a double injury blow last year as he was ruled out for several months with a metatarsal injury.
But while it has halted his progress at Loons, Watson could yet feature again for them before the summer.
“Darren will be out for another few weeks,” said Forfar boss Ray McKinnon.
“He has a hairline fracture that needs a bit of care so we’ll see how his recovery goes with it.
“He’s continuing his rehab at United but I think we’ll get him back playing before the summer – even though it may not be for a few weeks.”
Meanwhile, Craig Thomson impressed on his first start for
Forfar in seven weeks in the 2-0 loss at Stirling.
Thomson was a constant threat to Stirling before he tired and was subbed midway through the second period.
“Craig was really good for us,” added McKinnon.
“We knew he’d run out at steam at some point. It’s been a while since he played but he can be happy with his efforts.”