Imps will miss Ian Pearce, says Moses Swaibu
Defender Moses Swaibu believes Ian Pearce's absence from the Lincoln City back four is a blow, but has backed youngster Danny Hone to fill the veteran's shoes in tomorrow night's League Two clash against Hereford United at Sincil Bank (7.45pm).
Pearce damaged his hamstring in the 1-1 draw at Rochdale in League Two on Saturday and could be out for several weeks, leaving the Imps with just two fit centre-backs, Swaibu and Centre of Excellence graduate Hone.
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Moses Swaibu.
Former Crystal Palace starlet Swaibu, 20, and Pearce, 35, have formed a productive partnership over the last two games as City have earned 1-1 draws with league leaders Dale and Crewe Alexandra.
Swaibu was drafted into the team when fellow centre-half Adam Watts suffered a broken leg at Grimsby, which compounded the loss of Aston Villa loan star, defender Nathan Baker (ankle).
"Myself and Ian have formed a good partnership over the last two games, against Rochdale and Crewe," said Swaibu.
"But all the players work hard together in training, every day, and at some point during the season there is the likelihood that you will be playing alongside each other.
"I came in after Adam Watts was injured at Grimsby and myself and Danny (Hone) had played previously together at Chesterfield and did okay.
"Hopefully tomorrow night we will be able to put in good performances again."
Pearce, brought to the club as Chris Sutton's assistant manager, has kept his place in the side after a series of mainly sterling performances.
The Bury St Edmunds-born stalwart has provided a calming influence at the heart of the Imps defence, with the team's debacle at Port Vale the only blot on the copybook of his City career so far.
"He has a big presence and when he speaks, you listen," said former Bromley ace Swaibu.
"He has been there and done it, won the Premier League with Blackburn Rovers. As a young player, I look up to players like him."
To read the full story, and skipper Scott Kerr's exclusive column, buy today's Lincolnshire Echo.
10 Comments
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by helen, lincoln
Friday, March 12 2010, 11:50AM
“yes like Butcher has been treated like dirt and still is butcher has been recalled yet hes injured.”
by worried parent, lincoln
Friday, March 12 2010, 7:40AM
“And you think some of the players CS brings on can change a match?, you obviously dont know your football as well as you think you do. Why not give the lads a chance? Did you know that Lee Frecklington came through the same set up he is trying to ruin. His actions show what an inexperienced manager of people he is.”
by MacImp, Branston
Thursday, March 11 2010, 10:19PM
“Treated like dirt is quite emotive but untrue, it's just that Sutton has had better players at his disposal. Hone is a professional footballer and will undersatnd that.”
by I know my football, Lincoln
Thursday, March 11 2010, 8:47PM
“A comment to "Worried Parent." (of one of the scholars ?, etc). Under Peter Jackson The Imps bench often had Adams, Hutchinson, etc - all who cannot come on and change a match. Our lack of strength in depth.
Chris Sutton knows if you are good enough your age is irrelevant - hence young players like Baker, Lennon, etc - we don't have a "Lee Frecklington" in our setup, but in time someone will come through (who is good enough). As for Danny Hone, firstly he was destroyed by The Notts County duo of Rogers and Hughes. All 3 goals were down to him. Secondly, he needs to "bulk up" as Peter Jackson said to him - and this hasn't happened - hence he is easily pushed off the ball / fairly shoulder charged - at Centre Half you just can't afford that.”
by worried parent, lincoln
Thursday, March 11 2010, 5:16PM
“Why does CS not play Danny Hone, is it because he came through the youth system he doesnt rate. He definately has a strange way of going on, I know he played premiership football but he hasnt a clue about youth development. Lincoln had a successful youth set up until he came along. The kids development is being harmed and the club need to put it right. The youth set up has been changed for the worst.”