Scunthorpe United boss Andy Butler has handed Iron fans a timely Christmas boost after confirming that Danny Whitehall and captain Andrew Boyce will both be fit for the Boxing Day clash at Hartlepool United.
Concerns emerged following the 2-1 win over Woking, with Boyce withdrawn at half-time as a precaution due to a hamstring issue, while goalscorer Whitehall was making his first league start after an injury lay-off.
However, Butler has moved quickly to allay any fears.
“Danny is available for the Boxing Day game,” Butler told BBC Radio Humberside. “Fitness is different — you can be 100 per cent fit running up and down a pitch, but match fitness is different. He’s in a good physical state.”
There was equally positive news regarding the skipper, with Butler confirming that Boyce’s substitution in Surrey was purely preventative.
“He’s fine,” Butler said. “We brought him off just as a precaution. He settled down really well, so he’ll be fit and available for Boxing Day.”
The Iron boss also provided an encouraging update on defender Jean Belehouan, who has missed recent matches following a family bereavement and a troublesome back problem.
“He’s almost there,” Butler explained. “He had a slight neurological issue in his back — nothing to do with the whack at Eastleigh — but he’s had some good treatment and we’re hoping he’ll be available for selection.”
One player who will miss the festive fixture is Will Evans. The defender continues his recovery from a hip injury and is currently targeting a return for the FA Trophy tie against Clitheroe in mid-January.
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