ANDY Monkhouse is set for a recall at Doncaster Rovers on Saturday with Evan Horwood and Simon Walton both injury doubts, writes CRAIG HOPE.
That pair picked up calf injuries during last night’s 3-0 defeat of Crewe Alexandra at Victoria Park.
Monkhouse had replaced Walton in the first half and it was his stoppage-time goal which sealed victory, a fifth in seven matches.
During that time the 32-year-old has been restricted to the role of substitute.
However, he has consistently won praise from manager John Hughes, most notably in the wake of his point-saving cameo at Swindon Town earlier this month.
And it now looks certain that Hughes will start with Monkhouse at the Keepmoat Stadium this weekend.
“I said to Monks it was heads or tails if he played on Saturday at Scunthorpe and if he played the week before,” the Pools chief revealed.
“If I’m going to give anyone a special mention for the way we’re going about our business right now then it’s Monks, and I hope he reads this.
“I’m not patronising him or blowing smoke up his backside.
“But when he’s not playing he’s so supportive of his team-mates and he knows we’re all in it together, that makes my job easier.
“I share the disappointment of the lads when you’re itching to play and feel you’ve got something to give, I’ve been there.
“But he did himself no harm last night and I’m delighted about his attitude since Christmas.”
Meanwhile, the news on Horwood and Walton is not so good.
“Evan has a tight calf,” said Hughes.
“He is struggling a wee bit.
“Simon’s calf went as well in the first 20 minutes and that was disappointing.
“We’ll have to see how all of the boys are ahead of the weekend, but if we have to make changes then so be it.
“Whoever comes in will do a job for the team, I’ve no doubt about that.”
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