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‘Hopefully he can build on that’ - Hurst on Dozzell’s return and his role at Swansea
Andre Dozzell's first senior appearance of the season in the second half was a rare reason to cheer for Town fans. Picture: STEVE WALLER - Credit: Picture: Steve Waller
Paul Hurst does not feel Andre Dozzell is ready to complete 90 minutes for Ipswich Town but has not ruled out the possibility of the midfielder starting at Swansea on Saturday.
Andre Dozzell, who made his first senior appearance of the season, applauds the support after the match. Picture: STEVE WALLER - Credit: Picture: Steve Waller
Dozzell played 14 minutes as a substitute in Tuesday night’s 2-0 home loss to Middlesbrough, in what was his first senior appearance since suffering a cruciate knee ligament injury on the opening day of last season.
He is likely to be involved again at the Liberty Stadium this weekend, having been closely managed by Hurst and his fitness staff as the teenager continues his recovery.
“Good, he’s been training this morning, no ill effects to my knowledge, so that’s good,” Hurst said, when asked how Dozzell had come through his return on Tuesday night.
“The little chat we had coming off the pitch was that it must have been good to get back out there in front of a crowd in a competitive Championship game, so hopefully he can build on that.
“We’ll see (if he’s ready to start). As I’ve said, I don’t think he would go for 90 minutes, that’s my honest view. He may surprise you but that would be my view, so we’ve got to consider that.
“But ultimately we need a result and I’ve got to pick which team I think is best to get that.”
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While Dozzell will be involved again, the Blues will be without Myles Kenlock in south Wales with the defender still struggling with the ankle injury sustained in training recently.
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Midfielders Emyr Huws (knee), Tom Adeyemi (achilles) and Teddy Bishop (hamstring) all remain sidelined with long-term injuries.
Ellis Harrison is also missing having been ruled out with an ankle ligament injury, with Hurst admitting recently he could potentially visit the free agent market in search of a physical frontman.
Asked if there has been any development on that front in recent days, Hurst simply replied: “No.”
Substitute Andre Dozzell waits to come on as Town manager Paul Hurst gives instruction on Tuesday. Picture: STEVE WALLER WWW.STEPHENWALLER.COM - Credit: Picture: Steve Waller
