The pacy Irish player, on loan from Sunderland until the end of the season, limped off the field on March 9 during the 3-1 home victory over Swansea City. Now, after missing the last six games he is expected to be named in the squad that travel down to Shropshire at the weekend. The Cumbrians have been forced into fielding inexperienced sides in recent matches because of a deepening injury crisis. They have still managed a three-game unbeaten run that has lifted them up to fifteenth place in the table with an outside chance of finishing in the top 12. Defenders Mark Winstanley and Peter Murphy are also on the mend and could both be back for Saturday. However midfielder Steve Soley and club captain Stuart Whithead are likely to remain on the sidelines. Wake forced to go back to his roots The farcical transfer situation at Brunton Park has claimed another victim with striker Brian Wake, who "signed" from Tow Law Town before Christmas being forced to return to the non-league club in order to keep himself match-fit. With United barred from bringing in new players because of an unpaid PFA loan, Wake was never registered for first-class matches and has had to be content with occasional outings in the reserves. However Roddy Collins has promised him first-team football next season, when he expects to be able to resume signing players once the outstanding balance on the loan of £40,000 is cleared. "It has been very unfair on the kid, " he said. "He signed for us in preference to two other clubs from higher divisions. We would have loved him for this season and he would definitely have played a big part in the rest of the season. We were told when he came that the money would be paid back as quickly as possible, but the money wasn't there." York match on Carlisle United have confirmed that their visit to York City next Tuesday night will go ahead as planned, despite being on the same day as the funeral of the Queen Mother. Some bigger sporting events have been called off but the FA allowed the two clubs the chance to make their own minds up about playing the fixture. A club spokesman said: "After consultation with York City, the Football League and several other clubs playing on that night, it has been decided to go ahead." Picture from News & Star www.newsandstar.co.uk |
