Freeman set to make debut as new injury crisis looms

Last updated : 17 September 2002 By Al Woodcock
David Freeman
Freeman: Monthly contract
United's new signing David Freeman will make his debut tonight at Scunthorpe after the Cumbrians hit a new injury crisis.

Strikers Richie Foran and Brian Wake are both injured so Freeman comes straight in to the side at Glanford Park and in addition, Roddy Collins has been forced to recall youngster Michael Dickinson from his loan spell at Workington Reds. Foran has a groin injury that is still being looked at while Wake will undergo an operation on his knee and is likely to be out until early November.

Freeman, 23, could link up with teenager Marc Nixon in yet another new-look Carlisle attack tonight as the Cumbrians seek to end a league goalscoring drought that stretches back a month. They last scored from a Trevor Molloy penalty in the 66th minute of the game at Lincoln on August 17.

Freeman, signed from Nottingham Forest on a month-to-month deal will be hoping to find that elusive goalscoring touch for United who have lost their last four league games and are now down in 22nd place in the table, just four points above cellar-dwellers Boston, who have had four points deducted for financial irregularities. United face Boston on Saturday at Brunton Park.

The new signing impressed Collins in his two friendly appearances last week against Celtic and Newcastle United.

"Freeman will play and we will take Michael Dickinson back because we need him for cover. Freeman has played first-team football at Forest. He is here and this is a chance for him. He is up for it. It is for one month to start off and gives us the chance to look at him playing," he said.

He has played nine games for the City Ground outfit, but has not played competitively for a season because of serious injury. He also had a loan spell with Port Vale two seasons ago.

Picture from News & Star

www.newsandstar.co.uk