Boston United boss Craig Elliott issues updates on injured players

Craig Elliott was left to asses his walking wounded following last night's 0-0 draw with Curzon Ashton.

While long-term injury victim Andi Thanoj warmed up prior to kick off at York Street last night, new question marks hang over the fitness of striker Jake Wright and defender Alex Penny.

Wright, who has just extended his loan stay from York City until the end of the season, was replaced at half time after injuring his shoulder during an off-the-ball coming together with Nash defender Danny Shaw.

The Pilgrims are hoping the in-form attacker will not face another lengthy spell on the sidelines after his first half of the campaign was plagued by a groin injury.

"He can't move. Hes in the treatment room now, in a bad way to be honest," Elliott said after last night's draw.

"His luck, our luck, whichever way you look at it, it's not great. I've just signed him for the rest of the season so it's a massive blow."

United are hoping to discover the level of damage done to Wright's shoulder over the next day or two.

Penny is another injury doubt for Saturday's scheduled clash with Darlington after being replaced by Martyn Woolford.

Following treatment in the first half, he played with heavy strapping on his right leg.

"Alex Penny's played the second half with a hamstring injury as well," Elliott added.

"But again this is what this league's all about, midweek football, carrying injuries, knocks.

"We want everyone available but we'll get though it."

The club continue to keep tabs on full back Alex Whittle.

Ashley Jackson took his place in defence last night after Whittle picked up a hamstring injury at Bradford Park Avenue at the weekend.

"We've had a tough period on a lot of heavy pitches," Elliott added.

"There's no doubt about that. Playing at King's Lynn with 10 men, things like that.

"It's catching up with a few players, but there's no point using that as an excuse. People only judge your performance.

"I hope (he'll be fit for Saturday), I really do. It's one of them again, with hamstrings you don't want to risk people because they can then be out for three to four weeks.

"We have to assess that in training on Thursday."

One bonus for Boston was Thanoj taking to the pitch while his teammates arrived at York Street.

The midfielder picked up a groin injury at Rochdale on December 1.

"I'm hoping he'll be fit for Saturday, if not next Tuesday (the arrival of Gateshead)," Elliott continued.

"He's one of the few players we can't really replace. He's got that bit of quality and that passing ability that not may others have got."

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