Manager Paul Cox has been buoyed the news that striker Jake Speight is close to a comeback.
Speight, who has eight goals from 19 league appearances this term, missed last night’s reserve team clash at Hull City due to swelling in his knee.
However, the talisman could return to action very soon.
“Jake was going to feature last night but has suffered a bit of a set-back with his knee, which has swollen. He wasn’t happy with it, so he decided not to play,” said Cox.
Paul Cox is speaking to Mansfield 103.2's Jason Harrison
“We’ve took him back to see the specialist and the good news is that I don’t think he’ll be too far away [from a return].”
Despite Ben Hutchinson’s early opener for us, our second-string were ultimately beaten by a strong Tigers side, who netted through Tom Cairney and Nick Proschwitz.
Nevertheless, our boss was able to draw several positives from the defeat.
He continued: “There were some good performances and that’s ultimately what I’m looking for.
"It’s important that I’m at these games, because I want to know who has the hunger. When [players] are not in the side and things aren’t going well I want to see mental strength.
“As we saw with Matt Rhead the other night, some of these players could have a massive impact between now and the end of the season.
“We’re not going to get away with playing the [same] starting XI, so we need fit, strong and hungry players that have that little bit of nastiness to keep their place.”
Added Cox: “One or two players impressed me last night, which was the right way to tell me that they’re still here and hungry to get into the team.”
