Michael Bridges set for his first league start at MK Dons
Last updated 10:36, Friday, 10 October 2008
Manager John Ward is weighing up a host of selection dilemmas for tomorrow’s clash with MK Dons – but it seems Michael Bridges has done enough to keep his place.
The fans’ favourite scored the first goal of his second Blues spell at Rochdale on Tuesday and is expected to shrug off a minor knee injury to face the Dons.
If he gets the nod at stadium:mk, it would be his first league start of the season, and Ward said the former Leeds star can have a huge influence on Carlisle as they try to turn their season around.
Ward, who could again pair Bridges with Danny Graham in attack, said: “Michael got his goal, and although he should have got another one, he certainly did well enough to say, ‘There you go, keep me in there’.
“He was a bit sore after the game but he came in on Thursday very determined to be on the training ground, and with that mood about him he’ll be fine.
“Michael has got that experience and knowledge, and his demeanour around the rest of the boys is invaluable for us at the minute.
“When you’re down, you need everybody pulling together and someone like Michael is an important person around the club in that respect.”
Ward could recall David Raven in place of Josh Gowling at right-back tomorrow, but will keep faith with Evan Horwood despite the left-back’s mistake which led to Rochdale’s second goal on Tuesday.
Paul Thirlwell’s absence through injury and suspension leaves Luke Joyce, Grant Smith and Marc Bridge-Wilkinson battling for two central midfield places, while Scott Dobie is also pushing for a recall.
Gary Madine, who scored his second senior goal in Tuesday’s 2-2 draw, is also set for a place on the bench.
The United boss is trying to strengthen his squad in the loan market and the loss of Thirlwell for three weeks with a calf injury means his priority area could be midfield, with Chris Lumsdon also still sidelined.
But he added: “I can’t suddenly turn around and say this squad’s not good enough, because over the last 50 games since I’ve been in charge, it has been.
“It’s hard to get that confidence back but we’re working hard to get there.”
UNITED have launched a student membership scheme, enabling students to gain reduced admission at Brunton Park this season.
Membership means a student can buy a seat at any Carlisle United match for just £12, or pay only £10 to stand, compared to the normal advance adult prices of £18 and £14 respectively. Contact the club for details.
