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| WESSEX RETURN?: Stephen Henderson |
A RETURN to the Wessex Stadium for Bristol City goalkeeper Stephen Henderson is a 'possibility' according to Robins' manager Gary Johnson.
The 20-year-old enjoyed a successful loan spell at Weymouth at the end of last season and it appears he could still turn out for the Terras in a similar capacity in the forthcoming campaign.
Johnson said: "Stephen enjoyed it at Weymouth working with John Hollins and Alan Lewer and he would be very happy to go back there so it is a possibility.
"However, at the moment, I cannot let people go out on loan because I want them all competing for a first-team place. It will only perhaps be when the season begins that I will then have a look at it."
City, who suffered heartache in the Championship play-off final at Wembley in May, will take on the Terras in a pre-season friendly at the Wessex tonight (7.30pm) and they are expected to field a strong team despite the prospect of another match at AFC Bournemouth tomorrow.
Johnson, speaking yesterday after returning from a trip abroad, added: "I am very much looking forward to the game because I have a lot of respect for John and Alan who I believe will do a good job there.
"The whole squad will be at the game because we also have a friendly at Bournemouth the following day and it will be a strong side that we will put out in as much as names that people will know. But at this moment I do not know exactly who they will be because I have only just got back from Austria.
"We will decide the teams for the two games at training but Stephen Henderson almost cer-
tainly will be playing against Weymouth.
"He has had slight bruising on his hip and we will have to see how that is but he should be okay."
Hollins saw his side fall to a narrow 3-2 defeat against Championship side Southampton on Tuesday, a game from which they deserved at least a draw. The Terras' boss is now hoping his men can continue that level of performance and also learn from the mistakes that saw them concede a trio of first-half goals.
He said: "Southampton and Bristol Rovers both put out strong sides against us and we matched them, and we will be looking to do that again tonight.
"We have a couple of little knocks but generally all the lads are looking fit and strong, and now it is just about blending them together.
"Sometimes we have all pushed forward and left ourselves exposed but we are working on that and overall I am happy with the progress we are making."
Defender Scott Doe missed the clash with Southampton due to a thigh problem and is unlikely to be risked this evening but there is better news concerning Lewis Ironside who is beginning to step up his training.
The 18-year-old midfielder, who has been recovering from an ankle-ligament operation, took part in the warm up on Tuesday and reckons he is only a week or two away from action.
Hollins said: "The twinge Scott has in his thigh is only a little one but at this stage of our preparations anyone with the slightest problem will not be risked, it is just not worth the gamble.
"As for Lewis, he is getting stronger and is now feeling like he is getting somewhere. I have not actually seen him in a game yet and I am certainly looking forward to that.
"He is not tackling in training yet but he is working hard and he is really excited about the prospect of getting back playing which is great."
Trialists Andy Taylor and Anthony Mason will again feature for the Terras this evening and there is a possibility that new-signing Stephen Reed will make his debut as well.
Hollins added: "Stephen could be involved and, along with Andy and Anthony, there could also be a couple of other trialists who we are hoping might come in, so at the moment we are ticking along nicely."
8:45am Friday 25th July 2008
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