Michael Appleton: “You only need to know what I think of him in terms of as a player and what he brings to us.”

Not for the first time this season, Michael Appleton went through a roll call and injury update, ahead of the visit to league leaders Rotherham United.

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Player Updates: Liam Bridcutt is still on course to be available come early April and will be desperate to play his part in the end-of-season games. If the Imps can have him available for five or six games he will be a big player.

More currently, the club have decided to appeal the Brooke Norton dismissal with MA hopeful of having an announcement later today so he can plan his squad for Rotherham.

Regan Poole remains a severe doubt as he is still in pain and his ankle remains swollen. MA very much hopes the injury will not keep him out for several games.

“I’m hoping they (the medical team) can turn it round quickly because obviously he’s been fantastic this year. He’s played numerous positions, he’s been outstanding at times. You only need to know what I think of him in terms of as a player and what he brings to us; the fact that I made him captain on Saturday”.

Season End Aims: MA expects the relegation spots this year to be filled by clubs attaining quite a few points lower than fifty this season. Whatever that tally transpires as, he wants to ensure Lincoln are not in contention for one of those spots; targeting being in a position mentally or mathematically to be safe with three or four games remaining.

Rotherham United: Paul (Warne) sets Rotherham up well to earn clean sheets and accrue results. He recruits players that can be overpowering with their physicality and athleticism. It makes them really difficult to play against and they do brilliantly at this level.

“We’ve got to try and match them or get as close to them from a physicality point of view, as much as we possibly can; and then hopefully give ourselves a chance…..in the latter stages of the game. The attacking players…..the forward-thinking players in the team (then) have got an opportunity to try and get some points for us.”

With Josh Vickers emerging as first choice ‘keeper at Rotherham, MA addressed the issue of whether it had been the right decision to release him. MA reflected it was the right thing to do at the time – Josh would not have wanted to have been a number two last season and this season Josh Griffiths did well after a difficult start and Jordan Wright has come in to notch up a clean sheet during his first two appearances.

The move has been great for Josh (Vickers) and having got his opportunity he is getting his rewards. MA wishes Josh all the best.

Writer: hulloutpost

Michael Appleton: "You only need to know what I think of him in terms of as a player and what he brings to us."https://t.co/FEExiGLwlx#RUFC #ImpsAsOne

— Vital Lincoln City (@VitalLincoln) March 14, 2022