Courtesy of the HDM Adkins on team news Eric Lichaj is still out of the country, still in America. He played the other night at 1.30am our time against Mexico, one of the flights got delayed so he’s missed the connection. He was due today but hasn’t arrived. I’m going to speak with Eric to see where he is physically, mentally. It’s not ideal especially when players come from the east to the west. It can affect them but we’ll see. We have a run of games going up and the last thing I want to do is risk anyone. Jackson Irvine has trained this morning, he’s been injured and we’ll see how he recovers tomorrow. We’ve had players been away. Ondrej Mazuch has joined in training which is really good. He needs a few more weeks at the intensity. James Weir is still in the rehab process but he’s running around out there. Adkins on Grosicki Yesterday everyone was off but I came in with Kamil. He came in. I want him to improve physically, he works hard, he needs to play. He’s with us, he’s ofcused, it’s in our interest and his, he’s been totally integrated back into the team. he’s a desire to do well as have we. we’re all trying to work on the same page. He came on against Sheffield United in the Cup. He’s not played the amount of games he’s needed but he’ll in full training. He’ll keep improving. I had a one-on-one, his attitude is totally focused. We know the situation but he’s contributing. He’s one of many players that we need to get playing. Adkins on new boys Martin and Elphick Match fitness no they’re not there, but the more they train the better they’ll be. The culture and spirit is there. It’s good that we can increase the strength of the squad. We have a bit more experience in there now. It is the strongest we’ve been - we’ve brought two Championship players in, we’ve trained well and through the course of the fortnight we’ve done testing like pre-season, everybody’s improved. The players are stronger and I want them to be robust, playing 40+ matches. Injuries are minimal at the moment. That's all for the live section Adkins now speaking in the embargoed section, where he touches on the recent interview given by vice-chairman Ehab Allam on the protracted sale of the club.
I’d put Kane at RB and Grosicki on the left of the 3. The worst that can happen is another defeat. Past caring really.
Is Adkins trying to set low expectations? Lichaj not available, Irvine injured, Martin and Elphick not match fit, Grosicki - who knows whether he'll actually ever play for us again...
Don't quite understand why Australia had a squad when we didn't play any games and just trained. New manager so I guess getting everyone used to him, but from a club point of view it's a bit of a hassle for Jackson.
Grosicki likely to be on the bench as will Irvine I suspect. We will have to wait and see if Lichaj is in a fit state to start. Maybe better to go with Kane at right-back rather than risk Lichaj.
Nigel was at the last U23's game, but twice now he has said we played Norwich, when in fact it was Watford.
