ADAM Bogdan has been ruled out for up to a month, but Dougie Freedman believes he has the perfect replacement in Andy Lonergan.
Wanderers revealed yesterday that the Hungary international, who up until Tuesday night had been ever-present in the league for more than a year, has a small tear in his groin and now faces four weeks on the sidelines.
That leaves Lonergan to continue in goal against Brighton for this afternoon’s big Championship clash, fresh from his impressive performance in the 1-0 victory over Blackburn Rovers.
Freedman hailed the 29-year-old, who has had to patiently bide his time since joining the club last summer from Leeds United, for seizing his opportunity in midweek.
“Many people think when you are out of the team the best way to keep yourself happy is just to plug away but Andy has done the opposite of that,” he said. “He has worked even harder knowing that when he gets a chance he has to take it.
“What was impressive about him the other night is that he didn’t have a lot to do, but when called upon in the 75-80th minute when Jordan Rhodes got an opportunity, he made a magnificent save.
“That tells you he’s switched on and he’s a good goalkeeper.
“He does have that experience, goalkeepers tend to be a little more patient.
“But I think he played fantastically well against Blackburn and it's good to be able to use your squad that way.”
One positive aspect for Bogdan is that he will not require surgery on the problem that has hampered his movement in recent weeks.
The 25-year-old’s rehab will be monitored very closely, however, as Freedman is anxious to avoid a similar situation to Keith Andrews, who could now be missing for another month.
“What we have got to be careful of – or so my medical staff tell me – is that if we rush it back, a small tear could become something more,” he explained.
“With Adam he has to make a lot of movements from his groin – kicking, jumping, stopping – so we have to be really careful. If we don't get it right it could lead to a Keith Andrews job.”
Tyrone Mears and Andrews are the other two definite exclusions from this afternoon's squad.
Full-back Mears is still suffering from a blood infection, which is now being treated, but Freedman has concern over when he will be able to call on Irish international midfielder Andrews, who has been battling Achilles and thigh problems for the last couple of months.
“Keith hasn't been about and that is not looking fantastic to be perfectly honest,” the manager said.
“I have had him at a specialist this last week and either way, it's going to be another two to four weeks. He can either have a small injection or just let it heal.”
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