Wolves Wait On Ince Injury

Last updated : 26 August 2002 By Steve Hermon
Wolves have another midfield injury headache after Paul Ince was took off after 32 minutes at Pride Park on Saturday, but they still haven't found out the extent of the injury caused to the former England Man.

Ince took a knock on his knee in the 4-1 win and was replaced by Kevin Cooper after only just over half an hour gone.

Wolves boss Dave Jones said: "He took a bang on the knee and it started to stiffen up and we're assesing him today."

Jones said that Ince didn't want to come off but they were just taking precautions. He said: "If you've got players on your bench, why risk making them injured, or leave yourself open to them being missing for one or two weeks or months?"

Jones even joked, "We said to him: We've got players on the bench just as good as you, get off!"

All joking aside, that is probably true, as Derby Fan and former player, Kevin Cooper, did a great job in midfield and was instrumental in the win, as he gave Wolves the lead in the second half.

Ince's injury is not thought to be serious, but I doubt he will be risked tomorrow night when we play Sheffield Wednesday.

Cooper will almost certainly replace the former Man Utd player if Ince is not risked, but after a selection headache in midfield, between Ince and Cooper for places at Pride Park last Saturday, Jones could now have one up front.

Kenny Miller scored his first senior goal for 11 months in a Wolves shirt and Sturridge was reportedly not as sharp as he was, when in form last season.

So does Jones chop and change once again or stick with Deano up front and have Miller sitting on the bench?

Personally, I wouldn't risk a big tactical change by playing Miller, Deano and Blake in a 4-3-3 formation. The newest Wolves' no.9 certainly doesn't deserve to be dropped, so what does Jones do?

I think he'll stick with Deano. Too much change is not good for the rythmn of play and I think Deano will be more suited for our game tomorrow, against a team, whose fans I have hated ever since our game with them on the final day of last season. The Wednesday fans were very cocky, which is bizzare, considering their team finished just outside the relegation zone!

It will be sweet revenge from my point of view, if we stuff them tommorow.

My prediction - The fans will probably be expecting three goals against The Owls, but I am not sure if we can score three or more for the fourth game in a row. I'll go for 2-0, with goals from Deano and Alex Rae.

C'mon Wolves!!!

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steve_hermon@wolves-mad.co.uk