STRIKER Jonny Wright has given Workington Reds’ management team a big boost ahead of tomorrow’s FA Cup tie with Rushden and Diamonds.

Wright took a knee in the back at Droylsden last week and has been feeling pretty stiff and sore this week.

But assistant manager Viv Busby said today: “Jonny was only going to take part in the warm-up last night but he felt ok and went on to complete the session which is good.

“Andy Hardman has had a knee problem and had been to see Neil Dalton at Carlisle United. It’s a little pad below his knee which has been causing the problem but we hope he is going to be ok.

“Matt Henney hasn’t trained recently because of a back problem. He’s also been experiencing trouble in a groin which may be connected to his back. He was going to see someone last night about that and we’re waiting to hear back from him.”

Otherwise Reds have a clean bill of health apart from the long-term injured pair of Dave Hewson and Stephen Hindmarch.

The Lancashire-based trio of Andy Langford, Dan Shannon and Calum Ruttledge had trained in Cumbria with the squad on Tuesday but on Thursday nights do their own training near home.

Busby said: “The mood in the squad is very good. Everyone is looking forward to the game and know what we have to do.

“If we can go in with the same attitude as we showed at Droylsden we will have a chance. They defended very well, worked hard and created chances.

“I have been talking to my contacts in the game and Darren has been doing the same. We have a fair picture of what to expect from Rushden and Diamonds.

“At the end of the day, though, it’s our own performance we have to get right and need to concentrate on.”

Rushden and Diamonds boss Justin Edinburgh has also been doing his homework, speaking to David Pace (Droylsden) and Kevin Wilson (Ilkeston) who have both seen their teams in action against Reds recently.

“We will be paying Workington the respect they deserve and I’m hoping the quality we have in the said will shine through,” said the former Spurs defender.

Edinburgh is bringing 19 players, son one will be spare on the day as seven substitutes are allowed in the FA Cup.

Cliff Akurang, however, won’t be part of the squad. He’s on a season long loan from Barnet and Rushden have to go back to renew the loan in January.

If there are any bids during the January transfer window he would be able to move on and not being Cup-tied would make it a more attractive proposition.

---

Bookmark with: what are these?