Scunthorpe boss Andy Butler has praised the “pace, energy and quality” of returning loan signing Tyrell Sellars-Fleming, whose arrival from Hull City provides a timely boost ahead of this weekend’s National League clash with Truro City.
Butler is sweating on the fitness of top scorer Danny Whitehall, rated “50/50” after limping off with a hamstring injury at Forest Green Rovers. However, he believes former academy forward Sellars-Fleming is ready to make an immediate impact if called upon.
“He gives us a bit of pace,” Butler told BBC Radio Humberside in his pre-match press conference. “I know what he’s going to bring. He’s going to bring energy and some quality. I’m really pleased.”
The swift loan move was made possible by the club’s close relationship with Hull City, something Butler says remains vital. He highlighted the roles of Iron legend Andy Dawson and former secretary Dave Beeby in securing the deal.
“It’s always nice when you’ve got a club higher up the divisions who can help us,” Butler explained. “We’ve got a great relationship with Andy [Dawson] and Dave Beeby at Hull. Both have been amazing parts of Scunthorpe United, so hopefully we can keep that relationship strong.”
Butler also moved to reassure fans that Sellars-Fleming’s arrival does not mean anyone will be forced out.
“Right now, no one’s going out,” he confirmed. “We’ll have conversations with players who may need loan moves to freshen up and get game time, but not at the moment.”
Whitehall faces late fitness test
Despite being heavy favourites against a Truro side sitting 23rd in the table, Scunthorpe’s preparations have been complicated by injury and suspension issues.
Whitehall faces a late fitness test, though Butler insists the outlook is not as bad as first feared.
“It’s not as serious as we thought,” he said. “We’ll give him 50/50 for Saturday, but we’ll give him the time and opportunity to get fit.”
Goalkeeper Mason Campbell is also ruled out, despite resuming training. “I think it’s too soon for Saturday,” Butler admitted. “He’s done some handling work, but striking the ball is still an issue. We’re not going to rush him back because I think Rory [Watson] has done really well.”
There was more encouraging news on midfielder Oli Rose, who has returned to the training pitch, although Butler believes the former Peterborough man is at least a fortnight away from a competitive return.
On the suspension front, Brandon Horton will serve the final game of his extended ban this weekend. Butler expressed frustration at the situation, which he joked had effectively become a “five-match ban” due to recent match abandonments.
“Hopefully there’s a conclusion on Saturday and the ban’s finally over,” he said, confirming Horton will be available for Wednesday’s visit of Boreham Wood.
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