Scunthorpe United manager Andy Butler faces an anxious wait over whether Leo Farrell’s loan from Barnsley will be extended.
Farrell, who has scored four goals since his arrival from Oakwell, could be recalled after the Iron’s clash with Rochdale on Wednesday due to an injury to Barnsley striker Tom Bradshaw.
Speaking to BBC Radio Humberside ahead of the visit of Rochdale, Butler confirmed the Tykes are happy with the frontmans development, but the decision hinges on the results of Bradshaw’s scan.
“I’m just waiting for phone calls back. I think they’re waiting for the severity of a scan. I spoke to them and they were just waiting for the manager to give the green light”, Butler admitted.
If Farrell’s loan is not extended, Butler confirmed he has contingency plans. “We’ve got players out there who are on loan, who we can call back. We’ve got a plan B, C and D,” he said.
Deadline reinforcements on the way
Regardless of the Farrell decision, Butler expects to bring in at least one signing before the registration deadline, with two loan slots still available. “Probably not tomorrow, but definitely before the deadline. I should be able to get one, maybe two in,” he said.
Whether both arrivals are defenders depends on Farrell. “If Leo’s loan is not extended, then we look at another possible forward and a defensive player, just to cover,” Butler said.
He outlined the challenge of the loan market at this stage. “You’ve got to find out whether you can bring them in not to play, as cover, or they demand to play, because sometimes wage recovery dictates. A lot of teams at the moment are putting loan fees on.”
Starbuck and Tahir injuries
Joe Starbuck is a doubt for the Rochdale game with a bruised ankle picked up at Braintree. “It’s not serious, but it puts him in doubt for tomorrow,” Butler said. “It’s probably a week and a bit, so he’ll be back after Rochdale.”
Zain Tahir faces a longer spell out after suffering a torn tendon in his hamstring. “Zain will be too many weeks now as well,” Butler said. Jean Belehouan is fit again, however, and available for the bench.
Hurst loan to continue
Kyle Hurst’s loan from Doncaster Rovers will not be cut short despite the winger facing around six weeks on the sidelines. “I think it’ll just continue. It’s not as severe as we actually originally thought,” Butler added.
Asked whether Hurst, who is out of contract at Doncaster at the end of the season, could be a summer target, Butler was positive. “I like Kyle. He showed glimpses of what he can do. He’s a player I do like.”
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