Roper ruled out
Kettering Town are set to be without inspirational skipper Ian Roper for tonight's Blue Square Premier trip to Altrincham.
The big defender suffered an ankle injury after a late challenge by Oxford United striker John Grant at the end of Saturday's 1-1 draw at the Kassam Stadium.
Greg Taylor (Achilles), Darren Wrack (hamstring) and Jordan Hadfield (hamstring) are also struggling for the clash at Moss Lane as the Poppies look to hold on to the final play-off place and maintain their fine away record.
But boss Lee Harper insisted he would not be taking any unnecessary
risks.
"Ropes suffered an impact injury when he took a kick on his ankle," the Poppies manager said.
"It was quite swollen and the bruising has come out. He is
definitely better than he was but the game might come too soon for him.
"Knowing him, he will want to put himself forward to play but I wouldn't want to risk losing him for the rest of the season.
"He's a major part of our team and we want him involved but if it was to mean him missing the remaining games then it's not a risk I will take.
"He will guide us. He's an experienced lad and at the moment he isn't sure. He is a major doubt for us.
"Greg has more of a chance of being fit but we also have Jordan and Darren both complaining about their hamstrings as well.
"There are a few problems but we will get on with it and we certainly won't be taking any chances on anyone."
If Roper doesn't make it, Alton Thelwell is standing by to replace him while Patrick Noubissie could return to the fold in place of either Wrack or Hadfield.
"We have options if we need to change things," Harper added.
"Alton is an experienced defender with a lot of good qualities. He's been good in training and his attitude has been first class while he hasn't been in the team.
"Pat is back after resting up and I think we will see him firing until the end of the season so there are good players to come in if needs be."
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Weather for Kettering
Sunday 27 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 10 C to 25 C
Wind Speed: 15 mph
Wind direction: East
Tomorrow
Light showers
Temperature: 12 C to 26 C
Wind Speed: 8 mph
Wind direction: North east
