Blaine Hudson

Youngster in line to replace Wylde

BLAINE HUDSON is standing by to make his first start of the season for Cambridge United when they entertain Grimsby Town tomorrow night.

Centre-back Hudson came on as half-time substitute for injured captain Michael Wylde in Thursday’s 3-0 win over Southport. Wylde will have surgery on a long-running groin injury on Thursday, and U’s manager Jez George said Hudson is likely to get the nod over fit-again Rory McAuley as Josh Coulson’s defensive partner against the Mariners.

George said: “Blaine is in pole-position because he’s been playing games and Rory has been out for a month.

“Looking back on it Thursday turned out to be the perfect introduction for him because we were 2-0 up and Southport then went down to ten men. He knows as well as we do that he’ll have tougher tests than that, but the minutes on the pitch will have done him the world of good.”

Hudson’s progress was hindered last year when he was involved in a car accident that left him with a dislocated shoulder and severe hand injuries. He returned to training at the end of last season, and was loaned out to Cambridge City earlier this term to boost his fitness.

Striker Michael Gash is a major doubt for tomorrow’s match. The striker has been unable to change since last Thursday’s match having been injured in a tackle with Southport’s Godfrey Poku.

“Gashy’s got a lot of swelling on his shin, but we’ll give him as long as we can because he’s an important part of the team,” said George.

Winger Jordan Patrick is also struggling with a groin injury, but George is close to completing a deal for Sheffield Wednesday goalkeeper Sean Cuff. The 19-year-old will join United on loan and act as cover for Danny Naisbitt following Simon Brown’s departure last week.

Grimsby enjoyed a 5-2 win over Alfreton Town on Saturday, a result which extended their unbeaten run in the Blue Square Bet Premier to ten games.

“They’ve won seven of their last nine games, and have obviously found a shape and a formula that’s right for them,” said George. “Anthony Elding and Liam Hearn will be a threat, and Hearn has good pace and power and likes to get in behind defences.

“They’ll be a tough proposition, but equally they’ll look at our game on Thursday and see that when we move the ball at pace we can pose a threat to them.”