Walsall Star in shock news

Walsall defender Scott Dann has been hit by the news that he is out for the rest of the season. What was first thought to be a minor injury which would have see him in contention for saturday has now been diagnosised as a break of his fifth metatarsal. He has his foot in a protective boot and it will be at least ten days before any activity will be allowed by the medical staff. No running will be possible until the bone has healed.

Whilst admitting this is a blow, and to lose our best two centre halfs is more than just unlucky. DD is confident that we have the resources to over come this situation. Firstly the option of Chris Westwood moving back to centre half along side Gerrard which is how we lined up against Mk Dons once Scott went off. This would leave Pead and Geordie Lyall to fight it out at right back, although Geordie is yet to break into the first team. The other option is Allan Picken, who according to DD is in full training and therefore maybe pressed into consideration earlier than first thought.

To me an ideal partnership would be Westwood and Picken, although it would be tough on Gerrard who has done nothing wrong. Westwood reads the game well but at league two level it could be argued that he lacks a little in the air. Whilst Picken was impressive in his only full gamme before injury he remains a bit of an unknown. However he seems strong and powerful , although our Austrailian friends warn he might be short of pace. Of course he might well be struggling for match fitness. Howwever it is this type of combination which has brought the best out of Chris Westwood during his days at Hartlepool. Also I feel a Picken Westwood combination would provide more of a threat at set pieces.

Will DD be that brave against Stanley, I some how doubt it. Pead Westwood Gerrard and Fox across the back with Picken on the bench is more likely.

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