Scunthorpe manager Keith Hill has revealed midfielder Alfie Beestin is still struggling for fitness, as he steps up his recovery from illness.
The 24-year-old completed his first 90 minutes since Christmas in the 1-0 defeat to Oldham recently, but Hill has warned he is unwilling to rush Beestin back too quickly despite the Iron’s ongoing struggles at the foot of League Two..
During an interview with BBC Radio Humberside, Hill said: “I think he (Beestin) is still struggling a little bit and I think it’s the long-term effects of COVID.”
“We are in a rush to get players up to speed but I’ve got to be careful with Alfie. I’ve got to look after his welfare and his physical and mental frame of mind.
Beestin was a standout performer last season and chipped in with some vital goals as the Iron beat the drop, but has failed to reach the same heights this season and has started just 16 league games this term.
Hill added: “He’s an exceptional talent. I just think he needs protecting a little bit”
“I’ve got no intentions of throwing people under the bus just to protect me.”
The Iron are sat seven points from safety with 14 games of the season left and Hill will be hoping Beestin rediscover last season’s form in time to aid his bid to keep the club in the Football League.
