Bobby Faulkner in action for Harrogate Town. Picture: Matt Kirkhamplaceholder image
Bobby Faulkner in action for Harrogate Town. Picture: Matt Kirkham
Harrogate Town have been handed a timely “boost” by the return to fitness of “lionheart” defender Bobby Faulkner.
The 21-year-old centre-half is back training again following three months out injured with a hamstring tear sustained towards the end of November’s EFL Trophy success over Newcastle United Under-21s.
The on-loan Doncaster Rovers prospect was said to be in contention for a place in the Sulphurites’ matchday squad at Chesterfield at the weekend, but after fellow defender Liam Gibson was forced off with a shoulder problem early on, Faulkner could well be involved at Barrow this Tuesday.
And Town boss Simon Weaver said that the player’s mere presence in and around the Harrogate training ground has lifted spirits in the camp.
“Bobby Faulkner has returned from Doncaster, where he did his rehab, and we are delighted to have him back,” he said.
"He's a lionheart, who we've missed for several months. It was a big blow losing him in the final minute of that cup game against Newcastle.
"Having his big smile around the place has already lifted the group again and to get him back on the pitch will be a big boost.
"He is back in contention and very much a big part of the plans between now and the end of the season.”
Having joined Harrogate on a season-long loan deal last summer, it took Faulkner some time to force his way into Weaver’s starting line-up, but having done so, he established himself as one of Town’s most consistent performers.
But, after making 13 consecutive league and cup starts, the imposing defender suffered a severe muscular injury during the latter stages of that EFL Trophy win against Newcastle’s youngsters, which also saw three other Sulphurites players limp from the field.
Although Town have recently seen fellow centre-backs O’Connor (hand) and Chanse Headman (ankle) return to fitness alongside Faulkner, they are still dealing with a casualty list that is far from insubstantial in length.
Goalkeeper Mark Oxley (calf), defenders Gibson (hamstring), Tom Bradbury (hamstring), midfielders Ben Fox (ankle), Tom Hill (hamstring) and Levi Sutton (hamstring), plus forwards Stephen Duke-McKenna (foot), Mason Bennett (quad) and Shawn McCoulsky (back) all remain sidelined.
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