Lincoln City head coach Tom Shaw has confirmed Conor McGrandles is back in training, although the midfielder is likely to miss tomorrow’s trip to Watford.
McGrandles missed Saturday’s defeat against Birmingham City and has resumed training ahead of another busy week for the Imps. With QPR to follow at the weekend, Tom hopes to have him back before the second of our two away games.
“Back training this morning,” he said in the pre-match press conference
“I think he’ll probably just fall short, Conor, but we’re hoping that he’s back before the weekend.”
There was also reassurance over Ben House following the blow to the face he suffered against Birmingham. Tom confirmed the forward is fine, although he may need a mask, and went on to praise the quality he has shown alongside his work off the ball.
“Yeah, he’s fine. He might have to wear a mask, but I’ve seen him play in that a couple of times before. It sort of suits him, to be honest.
“But I thought he was very, very good on Saturday. I think he’s had a great start to the season. He’s taken to the Championship brilliantly.
“He’s got this reputation of being really hard-working and a pressing monster, but some of his quality I think has been excellent as well. House is in a really good place.”
McGrandles’ absence gives the management duo a headache. Yunus Konak and Ivan Varfolomeev started the game at the weekend, but both played a part in the game’s opening goal. Meanwhile, Tom Bayliss came off the bench and scored for the Imps, staking his claim for a starting place.
27-year-old Bayliss has started four Championship matches this season, and is likely to be in for a recall foe the trip to Vicarage Road, where the Imps will be contesting the Graham Taylor Cup.
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