I have put in bold some great words
REJUVENATED Altrincham have been given a massive boost - after on-loan defender Carl Piergianni set his sights on an earlier-than-expected return from injury in Saturday's FA Trophy second-round tie at Blyth Spartans.
It was feared the 18-year-old from Peterborough United may have suffered ligament damage, and could be out for several weeks, following a painful introduction to life at Moss Lane in the goalless draw with Wrexham on New Year's Day.
But he was given the all-clear, after returning to Peterborough for treatment, and is hoping to be passed fit for Saturday, as he bids to build on a highly-impressive debut.
“Carl picked up knocks to his ankle and knee, but he is coming along fine,” said manager Ken KcKenna, who will also make late fitness checks on Chris Denham, Kevin Holsgrove, Sam Hewson and Nicky Clee.
“He is a brave lad. You could see he was in pain, but he would not come off. We gave him the chance, but he insisted on staying on.
“He is a good lad, too, because even though he had no chance of playing at Rushden on Saturday, he wanted to come along and be part of things. He was in the dressing room, supporting the lads, and it was appreciated. That's the sort of person you want, when you're in a battle.”
McKenna saluted a spectacular recent revival in Alty's fortunes, after drawing with Wrexham and then winning at Mansfield and Rushden, but warned his players not to take their foot off the gas.
Speaking moments after an unexpectedly difficult 4-3 extra-time win at Runcorn in the Cheshire Senior Cup, the Alty boss said: “It was a good performance and excellent result at Rushden, especially the way we came back from a goal down, but there is a lesson for us to heed from tonight.
“We defended poorly, and it just showed you can't afford to switch off for a moment, no matter who you are up against. If we defend like that in the Conference, we'll get six put past us, never mind three. If we are to build on recent results, we need virtually every player at it, from start to finish.”
Loan duo Andrew Milne (Barrow) and Matt Somner (Mansfield) have returned to their clubs.