Junior Eccleston is in contention to return to action ahead of Sutton’s Enterprise National League clash with league leaders Rochdale AFC, having served the last of his four-match ban.
The defender saw red against Morecambe and led to him missing the clashes with Scunthorpe United, Gateshead, Truro City and Eastleigh, being banned for an additional game due to it being his second offence of the season, his first coming in the Emirates FA Cup against Shrewsbury Town.
Eccleston has maintained his match fitness by featuring in the academy’s 3-0 win over Boreham Wood during the week, and could return to first team action tomorrow.
“We missed him a hell of a lot. That’s probably the best indication of the progression, the squad, because when he was suspended after the Shrewsbury game, it was a hell of a blow, and I don’t think we won one game without him, whereas now, we’ve we’ve missed him for more games, but we’ve picked up significantly more points in that period.”
“So, we’re delighted to have him back. We have missed him still because he’s a is an excellent player, and, yeah, another brilliant up from the club’s academy.”
Danny Cashman will be assessed ahead of what could be his first appearance since October, having missed the bulk of the campaign due to an ongoing injury problem.
The forward signed on loan until the end of the season from Crawley Town, reuniting with his former Worthing boss Chris Agutter, and he trained on Friday morning ahead of the visit of the Dale, with the hope being that he could feature in some capacity.
“He trained today and, it’s something that we’re going to have to look at a bit like Jake Taylor in some respects against Truro. He probably could have played but what we don’t want to do is force people out there when they’re not quite where they need to be, and then you lose them for longer.”
“I don’t think that will happen with Cash, but we’d rather have him available for five games than came out for one. He’s a bit undercooked, then we lose him for three or four, that wouldn’t make sense.”
“He won’t be starting tomorrow, but I’m pretty sure he’ll be making an impact – and he’s ready to make an impact.”
Aaron Jones (ankle), Jack Wadham (knee) and Alex Kirk (back) remain on the injury list, though the latter is back running after last featuring properly in pre-season, having made strong progress in his recovery.
