Boost for boss Jim Bentley as Andy Fleming returns to training this week
SHRIMPS' boss Jim Bentley received a boost this week with player of the season Andy Fleming returning to training.
Fleming has been out of action for more than a month with knee ligament damage but is now back in training and hoping to be be available again shortly.
Bentley said: “Andy is back training after a bit of a problem with his cruciate knee ligament.
“As soon as you hear that word it’s not nice.
“We had a situation with Joe McGee last year who had bruising and a little bit of problem with his cruciate knee ligament.
“He said he was okay and carried on playing because of his future contract and then snapped it.
“Flemo’s got it on an impact, he’s had a scan which has revealed it so we’re being ultra careful with him.
“The last thing we’d need is a cruciate knee injury to Andy Fleming who certainly last year was one of our best players.
“I think he’s had some strong performances this year as well so to have a player like that back in the squad I’m sure will only boost us.”
Unfortunately Bentley has been handed some bad news about Andy Wright who needs surgery for a double hernia.
Said Bentley: “Wrighty keeps having setbacks and has been to see another specialist who seems to think it might be a hernia.
“He’s due to have treatment next week so he will probably be out for around a month.
“We’ve missed him because of his versatility but I’m sure when he comes back he’ll get back to where he was.”
Another midfielder, Ryan Williams, looks set to be staying with Morecambe after returning from a spell training with Motherwell.
The 23-year-old was allowed to train with the Scottish Premier League side before being on the bench for the Shrimps against Tranmere at the weekend.
Talking about Williams Bentley said: “I spoke to their manager and they’re quite keen on him but they’ve got other priorities.
“We’ll just have to wait and see. He’s got a bit of a groin injury at the moment, a little niggle that if he plays with it he might pull it.
“We’re just treating him cautiously.
“He’s out of contract at the end of the season and is frustrated he’s not playing every week.
“I can’t keep 20 players happy all the time but he thought it was good for his career and it might free up some funds for me to inject something into the squad that can kick us on.
“They’ve had a little look at him and are keen on him but at the moment there’s nothing doing.
“Whether he moves out or stays he’ll be treated with the respect he deserves.
“He’s a great pro and great lad and we’ll see what happens over the coming weeks.”