Scunthorpe United manager Andy Butler has confirmed that new signing Connor Smith will play no part in Tuesday night’s game against high flyers Boreham Wood due to a sickness bug.
The midfielder, whose debut has already been delayed by administrative hurdles, has not travelled with the squad for the trip south. Butler confirmed that even if Smith’s international clearance were to be granted in time, the illness would keep him sidelined.
“Unfortunately, he’s got a sickness bug at the moment,” Butler told BBC Radio Humberside. “He’s not travelled with us. Irrespective of whether the international clearance comes through, he’s not available for Tuesday.”
While admitting the delay is a frustration, Butler believes the situation presents an opportunity for other members of the squad. “We’ve got a lot of competition in places,” he said. “Just because we’ve signed Connor doesn’t mean he’s automatically going to play. Competition is always healthy.”
‘The toughest side we’ve played’
Both sides head into the fixture on the back of an impressive run of form, and Butler was full of praise for Tuesday’s opponents.
“They are probably the best side we’ve played this season in terms of how they move the ball and how they operate,” Butler noted.
“Full credit goes to [manager] Luke Garrard and his staff for getting them into a great position. They’ve got dangerous players across the final third – it’s not just about shutting one individual down.”
The Iron boss confirmed he has a near-full squad to choose from, despite some “minor tightness” following a busy schedule.
“We’ve not played in 14 days and then had two games in quick succession, so you get a lot of muscle soreness. It does affect players, which is why I make substitutions – to keep the squad fit and ready.”
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