GOALKEEPER Roy Carroll has been ruled out for the next three games
after picking up a bizarre training ground injury.
The 27-year-old Hammers keeper was collecting footballs when his
studs got caught in the goal-netting, causing the Northern Ireland
international to injure his knee.
Pards has recalled on loan goalkeeper Stephen Bywater as cover for
the injured Carroll, with Shaka Hislop set to start against
Middlesbrough on Sunday.
"It was one of the more unusual injuries," admitted
Pards, "but it's one of those things and a bit typical of
the run Roy has been having recently, what with his back and then
the injury to his thumb.
"His foot got caught in the goal net and he tripped and just
tweaked the knee. It's not too bad, but he's certainly
likely to miss the next three games.
"It opens the door for Shaka though and I know he's really
fired up about getting the chance to show what he can do.
"He's a Hammers legend and a very experienced goalkeeper,
so I have no worries at all about putting Shaka in on Sunday.
"I'm sure he'll get a great reception from the crowd
and with all his wealth of experience I have no doubt he'll do
a good job.
"Shaka's the type of person who will relish the chance to
step up to the plate. He'll think he's in for the rest of
the year now, he's that type of character. I brought him here
to provide top class competition for Roy and that's exactly
what he's done.
"Shaka has been great in training and there's no problem
with putting him in."
Pards will also be without Jeremie Aliadiere (groin) and Mark
Noble (back) for the visit of Steve McClaren's men.
"Both Jeremie and Mark have been working hard with the
physios, but won't be back in time for the Middlesbrough
game," he explained. "They are likely to miss out next
week at Bolton and Liverpool, but should return after that."
The only other player on the injured list for Pards is goalkeeper
Jimmy Walker, who continues his comeback from the cruciate knee
ligament injury he sustained in the Play-off Final.
Carroll Out
21st October 2005