Barry Bannan will not be fit for Wednesday’s FA Cup third round tie at home to Newcastle tomorrow evening.
Darren Moore confirmed today that the skipper will miss the televised clash with the Geordies but said that he will be out for a few weeks, rather than facing a longer spell on the sidelines.
Bannan suffered what looked like the recurrence of a hamstring injury against Port Vale just after Christmas and missed Monday’s win over Cambridge.
Moore said: We don’t expect him to be out for long, just a few weeks. What we’ve got to do this time with Baz is to shackle him a little bit.
“As much as we all want to see him back , Baz has just got to take his medicine, he needs to recover properly and if he has to take an extra game or two out so be it, if it means we then have him for the remainder of the season.”
Lee Gregory will also still be missing for the cup tie after his recent back problem but Dominic Iorfa and Akin Famewo are both available in defence while Tyreeq Bakinson has recovered from illness.
On the tie itself, Moore said: “It should be an excellent occasion. Both teams are going really well in their respective divisions and we’re both passionate football clubs with tremendous fan bases.
“We also know we will have to produce exceptional performances throughout the squad if we are to progress any further in this competition.”
The match is live on BBC One, kick off 6pm.