Exclusive: Michael Skubala confirms big Lincoln City boost before Barnsley | OneFootball

Michael Skubala has revealed a potentially huge boost to his Lincoln City squad ahead of a trip to Barnsley.

Michael Skubala has revealed a potentially huge boost to his Lincoln City squad ahead of a trip to Barnsley.

Lincoln lost to a late injury-time goal against Burton Albion on Saturday, with Charlie Webster netting his second in as many games to clinch a tight 1-0 victory. It brought to an end a frustrating, lacklustre Imps performance, while news that came in Skubala’s post-match press conference may have brightened the mood slightly.

The Imps have been on a backwards trajectory since their 5-1 hammering of Peterborough United back in January, losing too many games.

George Wickens has been absent for all of that run, while Zach Jeacock has stepped up and impressed when given his chance. The latter even retained his place when Wickens became available again after a first bout of injury, but after his latest knock the picture on the Lincoln number one’s fitness has become clear.

Lincoln City number one on road to recovery

George Wickens' return is near

Skubala was asked by Football League World to give a timescale on goalkeeper Wickens’ return to the team after Lincoln lost narrowly to the Brewers.

The Imps head coach said: “He’ll be back in training next week, hopefully for selection next Saturday. It was more of a knock, and he had to have a bit of time off.”

He missed the Burton game through the aforementioned injury, though that now seems to be in the rearview mirror ahead of a tough test at Oakwell. Lincoln will face a Barnsley side who will surely be keen to kick onto a good run of form themselves after beating South Yorkshire rivals Rotherham United.

Former Birmingham City shot-stopper Jeacock has been deputising for Wickens, who has not played since a goalless draw with Stevenage on January 4.

The 23-year-old ex-Fulham youngster returned to the bench three games later, but could not get back into the squad ahead of his replacement.

Skubala was quizzed on the impact Wickens’ return will have on his team, saying that it provides another good option in the goalkeeping department.

Patchy Imps form, but a George Wickens injury boost

Jeacock has played all eight games since Wickens was originally struck down with an injury, retaining his place even as the Imps’ prime choice was made available.

That has been testament to his performances since taking his chance, keeping two clean sheets across his eight appearances.

Lincoln’s form has been patchy, though, winning just one of their last six Sky Bet League One outings. Jeacock has rarely been at fault, further evidence for his sustained run in the team even when Wickens was an option for the Imps boss.

However, the return of City’s first-choice ‘keeper is a real boost to a faltering Lincoln side.

Also, captain Paudie O’Connor has accumulated double-digits of yellow cards, so will miss both the Barnsley game and the subsequent visit of strugglers Crawley Town. That heaps more pressure on whoever out of Wickens and Jeacock claims the starting position, with the sturdy defensive rock that is O’Connor not in front of them.

There is no guarantee that Wickens will immediately return to the Lincoln side, but his return to training is a positive sign for City as they look to stop the slide of bad results.