Barnsley boss Conor Hourihane provides update on defender ahead of Bradford City - plus his thoughts on future of key man
BARNSLEY head coach Conor Hourihane has confirmed that defender Mael de Gevigney is in contention for Saturday lunch-time’s Yorkshire derby with League One high-fliers Bradford City at Oakwell.
The Frenchman missed the midweek appointment at Port Vale after aggravating a head wound which he sustained in the Good Friday game at Burton. Marc Roberts deputised for him in the Potteries.
Hourihane said: “We think that Mael will be okay. He’s being assessed day by day to see how much this wound has closed up.
"But we think he will be very close to being available for this game.”
Talisman forward David McGoldrick is being assessed after missing the last two matches with a hamstring issue.
If he is involved against the Bantams, it will be from the bench, most likely.
The Reds boss added: "It would be a massive one for us to know that Didzy is available.
"Tom (Bradshaw) has earned the right to continue on after the last couple of games, he’s had two fantastic games and scored two very good goals against Rotherham. He will know he maybe should have had another one on Tuesday night.
"But the work and the effort he has put in for the team in leading the line has been fantastic.
"If we could get Didzy involved for the last half an hour or so, it would be a great boost. But we will have to assess him over the next couple of days. It will be a close one whether he makes it, but I am hopeful, just as much as he is."
Speaking to the press on Thursday morning, 18-goal McGoldrick said he would like to stay at the club next season, with his contract expiring in June.
He also revealed that he is yet to talk with the club hierarchy about potentially remaining at Oakwell.
For his part, Hourihane, a team-mate of McGoldrick’s at Derby and Ireland, is keen on retaining the 38-year-old.
He continued: "Didzy has done incredibly well. I think people are very well aware of our relationship as friends more than anything else.
"He’s been unbelievable for me over the course of the season – when he hasn’t played, just as much as when he has – in terms of different scenarios behind the scenes and managing the group and dressing room.
"He’s been key, really. Moving forward, what I like to have him in the dressing room again? Absolutely.
"He’s done more than enough to gain that (contract).
"He probably needs to know in his own head a little bit (of) ‘does he want to continue on?’
"I’m telling him to do so because he’s still got so much to give and he’s proved that to himself over the last couple of months.
"I’d be a big advocate for him to keep going because of what he’s given this season. Over the last couple of months, it’s been incredible really."