Hooper to miss out

Posted Tuesday, September 22, 2009 by PA

Scunthorpe striker Gary Hooper is a serious injury concern for the Carling Cup third-round tie against Port Vale at Glanford Park.

The 21-year-old, who is the club's top-scorer with five goals, hobbled off with a hamstring injury in the second half of the 1-1 draw with Bristol City on Saturday.

Manager Nigel Adkins has revealed Hooper is unlikely to feature against the Valiants, who have knocked out both Sheffield clubs in this year's competition.

He told the Scunthorpe Telegraph: "I would say it is unlikely Gary will be fit because he has pulled his hamstring but we will just have to treat it the best we can and go from there."

Youngsters Peter Winn and Matthew Godden are vying to replace Hooper on the substitutes bench. Northern Ireland midfielder Grant McCann could be recalled after his late leveller at Ashton Gate, with Michael O'Connor likely to make way.

The Iron are seeking a place in the last 16 of the Carling Cup for the first time in their history.

Vale manager Micky Adams should have the same squad at his disposal as he had for Saturday`s 1-0 home defeat to Bury.

Vale have been one of the Carling Cup's biggest giantkillers this season, knocking out Sheffield United on their own patch before seeing off city rivals Wednesday in the last round.

p. Assistant player-manager Geoff Horsfield remains sidelined with the groin strain he picked up in training on Friday, with Adams not expecting to see the striker in a playing capacity for another couple of weeks.

Fellow forward James Lawrie has returned to training after having his appendix out but this game is expected to come too soon for him, while goalkeeper Joe Anyon continues to make progress with his recovery from a broken leg.

Midfielder Dave Howland may again find himself on the bench having showed plenty of character since finding himself on the transfer list at the start of the season.