Rangers look to replace Dan Skelton
Friday 25th November 2011, 6:30AM GMT.
Stafford Rangers manager Greg Clowes must plug the gap left by Dan Skelton’s suspension for the derby match at Rushall Olympic.
Skelton serves a one-match ban for a red card at Burscough two weeks ago and his absence leaves a gaping hole on the left wing tomorrow.
New signing Fabrice Kasiama is the obvious replacement but the DR Congo youngster has yet to recieve international clearance to play.
All the club need is a the green light from the Home Office and, until that call comes, Anthony Maguire is in pole position to fill the berth.
Maguire and left-back Jon Patrick have both made the switch from Rushall to Rangers this season and return to Dales Lane for the first time.
But both Rob Stevenson and Luke George will miss the trip with ankle injuries, although Ryan Dicker is fit after a broken hand to replace George.
Kevin Street has missed the last five games with a back problem but could rejoin the squad as will new signing Harry Clayton, on loan from Crewe.
And Clowes has warned his side they may have to be “a bit ugly” to deal with the physical threat at their derby rivals tomorrow.
He said: “People look into local derbies a bit too much but they are games you want to win, they don’t sway your season but they do help.
“Neil Kitching has done a great job there, it’s their first year in the division and I am sure he is delighted with where they are.
“He knows how he wants to play down there and, in general this season, it’s done a great job for him. There’s no reason for him to change.
“They play 3-5-2, get the down very quickly and have got dangerous players. They will be difficult to deal with, as they are a big side.
“We have got a group of players who prefer to get the ball down and play, but there’s going to be times when we have got to be a bit ugly.”
UK Sport
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