Hurst: I’ve made my decision on keepers
PAUL Hurst says he has already made his decision as to who will start in goal for Grimsby Town against Bolton Wanderers. The Mariners boss has on-loan Sheffield United goalkeeper Jake Eastwood back available for the visit of the Trotters after more than a month out injured.
The 24-year-old has been back in training over the past fortnight, and will be vying to earn his place back in the side for the final six games of his spell with Town.
It’s not a straightforward decision for his manager though, with long-serving stopper James McKeown having run a tight ship in Eastwood’s absence.
“I’ve made my decision – obviously I’m not going to share it before the game, but I’ve made it,” Hurst told the Telegraph. “When I first brought Jake to the club I said we’ve got two good goalkeepers, which is what you always want.”
Elsewhere, the Mariners have Sean Scannell and George Williams out for today’s clash. Scannell – who hasn’t featured since the derby day defeat to Scunthorpe United in January – picked up an injury during training on Thursday, while Williams has also been declared a doubt for Tuesday’s visit of Morecambe through illness, although the winger has tested negative for Covid-19. Meanwhile, Mattie Pollock is set to make his return to Cheapside on Monday following surgery on a hernia last week. The young defender tweeted after the surgery: “Operation done, now time to recover and get back playing with the boys.”
Hurst though thinks it’s unlikely Pollock will be able to return to action before the season ends on May 8.
“I don’t think it’s absolutely impossible, but I think it’s certainly unlikely,” Hurst said.
“The important thing is he’ll be back in on Monday – he’s been up and walking around, but he’ll report back in and we’ll take it from there.
“There’s certainly no point in rushing it and risking anything there.
“The most important thing is he gets fit and healthy and ready to go after a break, but he can just use the time to make sure he’s really fit and in good shape.”
I’ve made my decision - obviously I’m not going to share it before the game.
Paul Hurst Grimsby manager