Baudet Out Against Cobblers

Julien Baudet has been ruled out for tomorrows clash with Northampton, with new loan signing Dennis Lawerence ready to make his debut in his place.

Ironically is seems it was early into Lawrence's first training session that Baudet cried off with a tight hamstring.

Steve Holland told crewealex.net: 'When Dennis arrived he arrived as competition and now unfortunately we are once again thin on the ground. Within 15 minutes of his first training session with us Julien Baudet felt a bit of tightness in his hamstring.'

A credible defensive performance at Liverpool and a clean sheet at Bristol Rovers in the last ten days should have given Holland a tough selection decision to make but with Baudet out, loan signing Lawrence will slot straight into the back four at his expense.

Assistant manager Neil Baker told thisisstaffordshire.co.uk that Lawrence would have played anyway though: 'Julian's injury isn't serious, but he is out, so it is strange how these things work out.

'Dennis would have played anyway, but it has made the decision easier.'

Not only will Baudet's absence allow Steve Holland to send out a new defensive line up, but also a new captain, a decision that Holland has so far held close to his chest.

According to Baker, Northern Ireland international midfielder Michael O'Connor could be in with a shout on the eve of his 21st birthday: 'The captaincy will be interesting and Steve will have his view on that, but I am sure Michael will be in the reckoning.'

Also it looks like striker Calvin Zola may be in consideration for a place in the team tomorrow despite been stretchered off at Bristol Rovers last weekend.

Steve Holland admitted Zola has barely trained this week though: 'Calvin was in a lot of pain earlier in the week and he had a nasty gash on his shin. It stiffened up quite considerably, but thankfully it was soft tissue rather than bone.

'He will train today and if he is okay then he will come into our thoughts for Saturday.'

Clayton Donaldson's knee injury he picked up in training looks like it will keep him out for a further two weeks, while forgotten men George Abbey and Eugen Bopp are available for selection.

In other news winger Colin Daniel has joined Halifax Town of the Unibond League on an initial one-month loan. Daniel had previously made on one first team appearance for The Alex this season, as a substitute away at Carlisle.

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