Barker has problems at back (From The Argus)

Barker has problems at back

12:00pm Wednesday 3rd October 2012 in Sport By Steve Hollis

Crawley boss Richie Barker will resist the temptation to dip into the loan market despite facing a growing injury crisis in defence.

Claude Davis went off at half-time in last night’s 3-1 home win over Bournemouth which saw Reds climb to third in League One.

The Jamaica international is expected to be sidelined for three weeks after suffering a recurrence of a thigh injury.

With Kyle McFadzean and Shaun Cooper also missing it means Barker is without three centre backs for the trip to Brentford on Saturday. That leaves Joe Walsh, Mark Connolly and Charlie Wassmer as the only available centre backs for Barker to choose from.

Barker said: “We thought Claude was 100% but obviously he wasn’t so I think he is going to be out for a while.

“We are rapidly running out of centre halves. Kyle might train with us in the next 48 hours but Shaun tried to do some work yesterday and it didn’t work out so neither will be back for Saturday.

“I would prefer to keep it in house to build that team ethic and spirit rather than bringing someone in on loan. I like young players to be given opportunities so we will see how it goes.”

Goals from Hope Akpan, Walsh and Nicky Adams earned Crawley a thoroughly deserved win over the struggling Cherries and ended a run of three straight defeats at home.

Barker added: “I was getting fed up answering questions about why we were winning away but not at home so it was important to put that right.

“It wouldn’t have been the end of the world if we hadn’t won but it was important to get people back on our side again.”