Howe Now? (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Howe Now?

EDDIE HOWE'S frustrating start to life at the County Ground looks to be over and the defender is in contention to make a derby day debut against Bristol City.

An ankle injury has so far prevented the defender from kicking a ball in anger for Andy King's men but all that is set to change.

The Portsmouth man will rest today before joining in his first full session at the club's training ground tomorrow.

Town physio Dick Mackey said: "We have done a lot of stamina work on the ankle and Eddie is much happier now and the body language is good.

"He trained without any ill effects yesterday and we will then look to see if he comes through the sessions with the rest of the squad on Thursday and Friday.

"Then it's up to the manager and he must decide whether he thinks Eddie is sharp enough. I am hopeful that he will be available for selection though.

"The lad is just desperate to play football."

The news isn't quite so good for fellow defender Sean O'Hanlon.

A calf strain saw him substituted at Peterborough United on Saturday and he may have to wait for his first taste of derby action.

Mackey said: "Sean is feeling a bit easier but I'm not sure we are going to have enough time to get him right for the game on Saturday.

"Again, we'll know more tomorrow and we'll have to see if he can train on Friday."

The other main worry ahead of the Bristol City clash is captain Matt Hewlett.

Mackey said: "I'm a little bit more optimistic about Matty. The bone bruising diagnosis seems ever more likely. I'm not saying it isn't painful but there aren't long term ramifications. He is a much happier bunny today and busting to play on Saturday for obvious reasons.

"The aim is to get him involved tomorrow or Friday as we need to see what he's capable of.

"As for Rhys Evans and Andy Nicholas, they should be okay for Saturday."

Meanwhile, manager Andy King has been reported to the League Managers' Association by Bobby Gould and to the Football Association by Cambridgeshire police after his high profile spat with the Peterborough coach at London Road.

As the Evening Advertiser went to print there was just 600 tickets left for the derby against Bristol City.