Lincoln City head coach Michael Skubala has revealed that new signing Josh Honohan is still around a month away from being ready for selection, although there has been clear progress in his recovery.
Honohan, who joined the Imps from Shamrock Rovers in a deal confirmed in December and finalised at the start of January, is yet to make his debut for City.
The 24-year-old defender has been working his way back to full fitness, and while supporters have been eager to see him in action, Skubala has urged patience. Providing an update, the head coach said:
“Josh Honohan is on the grass running, not with the team, but running, which is great. We are in a strong place with the squad.
“I think it’s probably another couple of weeks with the rehab coach, Tom Hallas, who’s been doing an amazing job with him.
“He’ll probably come in, fingers crossed, for probably a week or so or two weeks. So you’re probably looking at a month, really, before we see him being ready for selection.”
It means Honohan is entering the latter stages of his rehabilitation, but there are still steps to take before he is fully integrated into full team training. Once he returns to group sessions, he is likely to need additional time to build match sharpness before being considered for competitive minutes.
Josh Honhan
Honohan arrived at Sincil Bank with an impressive reputation. During his time at Shamrock Rovers, he made 67 league appearances and scored seven goals, earning back-to-back inclusions in the PFAI Premier Division Team of the Year. He also featured prominently in European competition, including the UEFA Conference League, underlining the level of experience he brings despite still being in his mid-20s.
Before his move to Rovers, Honohan came through the ranks at Cork City, making 59 league appearances and helping the club win the League of Ireland First Division title in 2022. His versatility is one of his key strengths, with the Irishman capable of operating as a centre-back, left-back or wing-back, which could prove valuable once he is available.
For now, though, it remains a case of careful management. City are in a strong position squad-wise, as Skubala pointed out, and there is no need to rush a player who could yet have a significant part to play in the closing stages of the campaign. If the current timeline holds, supporters may be looking at a return to selection contention in roughly four weeks’ time.
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