Post by GresleyRam©®™ on Apr 5, 2006 16:45:49 GMT -1
Mounir set for a shock return
By Steve Nicholson
Mounir El Hamdaoui is set to make a surprise and timely return for Derby County to help ease caretaker manager Terry Westley's striker headache.
Westley is concerned by a shortage of attackers going into Saturday's crucial Championship clash against Millwall.
Kevin Lisbie remains a major doubt with a hamstring problem and moving Inigo Idiakez or Tommy Smith into more forward roles are options.
But now El Hamdaoui is in the frame to face Millwall at Pride Park.
The 21-year-old's first loan at Derby from Tottenham Hotspur ended early when he needed surgery to repair a damaged shoulder.
He returned for a second spell in February, signing until the end of the season, but injured himself while scoring in the draw at against Leicester City.
El Hamdaoui underwent a hernia operation and was expected to miss the remainder of the campaign but has recovered and is back training with Tottenham.
The player is still under contract with the Rams because the loan deal was not cancelled.
He spoke to Westley yesterday and is due to train with the team tomorrow.
"We'll see what shape Mounir is in mentally and physically," said Westley.
"He has had some bad luck with us. Twice he has been here and twice he has picked up major injuries, so he is a little concerned given that the season has only a few more weeks to run.
"Hopefully, he will train Thursday and be available for selection on Saturday."
El Hamdaoui has a record of three goals in eight appearances for the Rams.
Lisbie, on loan from Charlton Athletic, will have a scan today to discover the extent of the damage to his hamstring and what might be causing the problem.
He is rated as less than 50-50 for the Millwall, though Derby have not given up hope that he will make it.
I hope he's back - i really rate him and god knows we need a striker!!
By Steve Nicholson
Mounir El Hamdaoui is set to make a surprise and timely return for Derby County to help ease caretaker manager Terry Westley's striker headache.
Westley is concerned by a shortage of attackers going into Saturday's crucial Championship clash against Millwall.
Kevin Lisbie remains a major doubt with a hamstring problem and moving Inigo Idiakez or Tommy Smith into more forward roles are options.
But now El Hamdaoui is in the frame to face Millwall at Pride Park.
The 21-year-old's first loan at Derby from Tottenham Hotspur ended early when he needed surgery to repair a damaged shoulder.
He returned for a second spell in February, signing until the end of the season, but injured himself while scoring in the draw at against Leicester City.
El Hamdaoui underwent a hernia operation and was expected to miss the remainder of the campaign but has recovered and is back training with Tottenham.
The player is still under contract with the Rams because the loan deal was not cancelled.
He spoke to Westley yesterday and is due to train with the team tomorrow.
"We'll see what shape Mounir is in mentally and physically," said Westley.
"He has had some bad luck with us. Twice he has been here and twice he has picked up major injuries, so he is a little concerned given that the season has only a few more weeks to run.
"Hopefully, he will train Thursday and be available for selection on Saturday."
El Hamdaoui has a record of three goals in eight appearances for the Rams.
Lisbie, on loan from Charlton Athletic, will have a scan today to discover the extent of the damage to his hamstring and what might be causing the problem.
He is rated as less than 50-50 for the Millwall, though Derby have not given up hope that he will make it.
I hope he's back - i really rate him and god knows we need a striker!!
