Day standing by

By Editor
January 29 2003

Goalkeeper Chris Day feels ready to return to first-team action following his broken leg - but accepts he may have to bide his time.

Day came through his latest reserve outing with flying colours, but could not prevent Rangers' second string losing 1-0 to Oxford on Wednesday afternoon.

He made two good saves before Lee Steele scored the only goal of the game after 61 minutes.

Trialist left-back Brett Poate allowed Chris Hackett to get behind him and whip the ball in from the right. Chris Plummer, himself back from injury, managed to stop Dexter Blackstock converting the cross but the resulting loose ball ran to Steele and the forward made no mistake.

"It was a disappointing result but from my point of view, the important thing is that I'm playing again and that's another reserve match behind me," said Day.

"It just feels great to be involved and there is a world of difference between training and playing in matches.

"As for the first team, if the call comes then I'm ready and willing. But the team have been on a good little run recently and Nick (Culkin) has been the man in there and fair play to him.

"Injuries and suspensions can happen though and if I'm needed and the manager wants me to play, I'm ready."

Rangers hoped to field Chelmsford City's former Tottenham defender Lee Kersey, who is currently on loan at Heybridge Swifts, but clearance for him to play was not received.

In his absence, improving young centre-back Marien Ifura looked strong alongside Plummer, although Wes Daly endured an uncomfortable 45 minutes at right-back before moving into midfield with Marcus Bean taking his place in the back four for the second half.

Craig McAllister made his third appearance for the reserves and is due to train with Rangers for the last time on Thursday before returning to Basingstoke Town ahead of their weekend match against Kingstonian.

His future has yet to be decided, with Basingstoke holding out for the best possible price.

Like Rangers, Southend have had an offer snubbed and there has also been interest from Reading and Luton, while Watford manager Ray Lewington was a spectator at Oxford.

McAllister, 6"1' and left-footed, has an eye for goal and shows good awarness at times. In the first half he linked up well with Andy Thomson, who was replaced at the break by Karl Connolly.

McAllister fired over from 30 yards and two minutes into the second half, crossed from the left for Ollie Burgess, whose header was well saved.

Poate, formerly of Southampton, is expected to play for the reserves again against Southend next week.