Hawkins faces fitness race for City clash (From The Argus)

6:30am Tuesday 9th September 2008

Colin Hawkins is facing hernia surgery – but the Albion defender could still be fit for the Carling Cup clash against Manchester City.

Hawkins has been booked in for an operation in France next week, after the Seagulls’ visit to Yeovil on Saturday.

Boss Micky Adams revealed: “We are sending Colin to a hernia specialist in France I used for a few people when I was at Coventry.

“He has got a very good record of getting players back quickly. It could be three to four days or it could be a week, that’s all.”

That means Hawkins has a chance of being ready for City’s second round trip to Withdean on September 24.

The op was arranged before the Irish centre half struggled and was substituted in last Saturday’s 4-1 home defeat by Scunthorpe.

Hawkins had been outstanding up to then since his summer move from Coventry but his ever-present record so far is under threat from another injury.

Albion are awaiting the results of a scan on a foot problem which will determine whether he is available to play against Yeovil.

Adam Virgo could be back in contention for the game at Huish Park after missing the Scunthorpe defeat with a knee injury.

Adams said: “Virgs is coming along nicely. I wouldn’t rule him out for Saturday.”

Adam El-Abd makes his comeback from a thigh strain as Albion’s Reserves open their campaign against Crystal Palace at Lewes tonight (7pm).

Albion Reserves: Sullivan; Wills, Pearson, El-Abd, Mayo; Robinson, Fraser, Loft, Royce; Dixon, Hart.

Ray, Portslade says...
1:16pm Tue 9 Sep 08

Good news. He was awful v Scunthorpe. Had a hand in 3 of the goals. Deserves to be on the bench at best for the next game.