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Wednesday, January 05, 2011, 07:00
ROB SCOTT says a new signing is a must to alleviate Boston United's defensive crisis.
The Pilgrims could be without both first-choice centre-halves, Shaun Pearson and Kieran Murphy, for Saturday's Blue Square Bet North trip to Gloucester City.
Pearson missed Monday's 2-2 draw at Eastwood with a hamstring injury which, according to Scott, could rule him out for up to five weeks.
A less-than-fit Murphy took Pearson's place at Eastwood, but Scott believes he may have aggravated a long-standing foot injury.
"Shaun has pulled his hamstring. He could be out for a week, it could three, it could be five, I don't know yet, we'll have to wait and see," explained joint-manager Scott.
"Kieran's been carrying it (foot injury) for weeks and my theory is that it's long-term, not just something he can manage.
"He's had a few weeks off, but came back on Monday and was still struggling.
"Credit to him for trying to play, but he's struggling.
"We'll assess how things are during training on Thursday, but we need someone in because two of our regular centre-halves are injured. It doesn't take a genius to work it out.
"Whether the budget is there or not, we're going to have to bring someone in.
"Otherwise we'll end up playing with 10 men because we haven't got any centre-halves."
Scott admits it is unlikely he and Paul Hurst will be able to take advantage of their healthy relationship with Peterborough United.
The Pilgrims have taken goalkeeper James McKeown and winger Nathan Koranteng on loan from the League One club this season.
"We've looked at what they've got and they haven't got anyone in that position who we could take," added Scott.
"I don't think someone will be coming from there."
If a new signing doesn't arrive in time for the match at Gloucester's temporary home at Cheltenham's Whaddon Road, Scott and Paul Hurst could recall Simon Ashton from his loan spell at Stamford.
United have a 24-hour call-back option on the young defender, who could be paired in the heart of defence with club skipper Lee Canoville.
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