Nathan Thomas back in contention for County

Posted Friday, September 28, 2018 by PA

Nathan Thomas could return to action for Notts County against Crewe after more than a month out injured.

The winger suffered a freak injury in the defeat to Newport when a stud went through his boot and into his foot, but has returned to action for the reserves during the week.

Cedric Evina, Elliot Ward and Jamie Turley are likely to keep their places at the back, but manager Harry Kewell accepts he needs to manage their playing time carefully due to a lack of match fitness.

Andy Kellett is hoping to make his own return, while Dan Jones returns after suspension, but Richard Duffy (hamstring) and Ben Hall (groin) are still expected to be unavailable.

Crewe boss David Artell may ring the changes as his side look to return to winning ways, while they have no suspensions to contend with.

The Alex suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat at home to Port Vale in their last League Two outing last weekend, while they also failed to get on the scoresheet in the previous Saturday’s goalless draw at Cheltenham.

Artell has alternated his strike partnerships to see if he can formulate a more potent one due to the lack of recent goals. Jordan Bowery partnered Chris Porter for the first time in the clash with Vale, but the boss may try another combination at County.

Defender Kevin O’Connor returned to the starting line-up in the midweek Checkatrade Trophy defeat against Manchester City Under-21s following a heavy collision against Tranmere earlier this month and could continue in the back line.