Strike Options Decrease

Eliot Richards has been called up to the Wales U21 squad for their match against Armenia in a Euro 2013 group match next midweek. Geraint Williams (former Rovers) was appointed U21 manager in July and has called on Richards to be among his strikers for the game.

Whilst I was delighted that ER was selected to play for his country it was a bittersweet feeling because it means he won't be able to play in our Capital One Cup game away at Ipswich Town. It leaves us with 2 senior strikers on the books for that game and whilst Matt Harrold is showing signs of becoming fully fit, David Clarkson still seems a little way off the pace and could struggle to play the full 90 minutes, especially with the Oxford game just 4 days later. Whilst Joe Anyinsah could be used up front he clearly doesn't feature in Mark McGhee's plans in that department as his appearances this pre-season have seen him occupy a position on the wing. Young Mitch Harding is a forward but it would be a difficult decision to play him in only his second senior appearance against Championship quality defenders.

McGhee has stated several times that he wants to bring in another striker this summer and clearly has his sights set on one player in particular; Oxford's James Constable. It's today being reported that a third bid has been lodged for 'Beano' although whether or not it will be accepted remains to be seen. I can't see why the club would waste their time chasing Constable had there not been indicators from both Oxford and the player's agent to suggest he'd be interested in the move. A transfer to Swindon was rejected out of hand by Constable in January but no such comments have been made about a move to Rovers since it became public knowledge that we launched bids for him.

If a deal for Constable doesn't happen or isn't completed in time we could be in a difficult situation next Tuesday evening at Portman Road. MM will want to use the game as a final opportunity to get his starting 11 sorted and provide further game time for those who require the added fitness but he won't want to burn out Clarkson and not have him available or to his best against Oxford. It's not becoming desperate just yet because I believe we will sign quality in the positions we need to strengthen in, but I won't be the only Gashead concerned that we are getting dangerously close to the start of the season now and haven't completed our signings. Thankfully the transfer window is open until the end of August but it's vitally important we get off to a good start in the league and cup so, fingers crossed, we're able to complete our business before next Tuesday.