Rae Of Hope As Gavin Passed Fit

One positive to come out of the past week, and postponement of the Bristol City cup game is that Dave Jones is not faced with the sort of midfield dilemma that would give any manager nightmares in that his options in the centre of midfield have been given a boost.

Gavin Rae broke two fingers during the 4-4 draw at Peterborough, and had his hand encased in a plaster cast. With Joe Ledley suffering a hip problem, McPhail recovering from cancer treatment and Riccy Scimeca recently retired – Jones was struggling for central midfielders.

Peter Whittingham tucking inside, forgotten man Sol Taiwo and promising youngster Aaron Wildig are the alternatives but Dave Jones now seems certain to opt for the Ledley / Rae partnership in midfield after the plaster cast was removed and Rae given the OK to feature.

Whether Ledley and Rae would get in the team on form is uncertain, though Ledley did grab his first two goals of the season last time out and is sure to feel less pressure. Both players have struggled for impact, and neither has produced a dominant midfield display or provided quality service to the strikers for some time.

A new recruit in midfield is a must if we are able to afford it, that wont come in time for the Blackpool clash so having Gavin Rae available for selection must be seen as a welcome boost.