Gain ruled out for crucial period

Last updated : 15 December 2004 By Gary Hutchinson

Gain (grounded) will miss the big two local derbys against Boston and Grimsby
Keith will definitely be without talented midfielder Peter Gain for the Xmas period as the player has picked up a ligament strain.

Gain went for a scan yesterday after straining ligaments in his knee during Saturday's dour draw at home to Cheltenham. He is now likely to miss at least four matches ruling him out until 2005.

"It will be a couple of weeks," admitted Alexander. "If we can get him back before that, we will have done very well.”

Keith admitted both Gain and the management team are a little confused as to what caused the injury.

"I didn't see it happen, and Peter can't even remember doing it. It's just one of those things. However I have got options - Michael Blackwood, Ciaran Toner, Nathan Peat and Matt Bloomer can all play in there, and I'm also trying to bring someone in.”

Current speculation links a striker with the Imps, but there are few names in the midfield frame at the moment.