TONY James has delivered another blow to Paul Peschisolido’s hopes of halting Burton Albion’s slump in League Two.
The reliable defender is almost certainly a non-starter for Saturday’s trip to Bradford City after suffering a hamstring injury in training.
James’ likely absence means the Brewers could be without three regulars at the Coral Windows Stadium because fullback Aaron Webster and top scorer Billy Kee are still nursing injuries.
Peschisolido said: “Tony’s injury is another piece of bad news at a difficult time for us.
“It’s not a case of me having no cover for him, but you don’t want to lose your best players and Tony has been fantastic for us in the majority of games this season.
“He’s been a model of calmness and consistency, which are qualities you are always looking for from your players.”
James blamed the cold weather for the recurrence of an injury that forced him to miss three games at the end of last year — and there are fears the defender faces another lengthy lay-off.
Peschisolido said: “We’re not sure of the severity of Tony’s injury at the moment, but it’s highly unlikely he will play at Bradford.
“We’ll possibly send him for a scan to establish the extent of the injury, but if Tony has pulled his hamstring he could be out for three or four weeks.”
Peschisolido is not short of central defensive cover, but candidates to replace James are all short of match practice.
Leicester City loanee Tom Parkes was an unused substitute in Saturday’s 2-1 defeat at Plymouth Argyle but has not played competitively since breaking an ankle against Port Vale in August.
Nathan Stanton has not played since picking up a shoulder injury on New Year’s Eve, while veteran club skipper Darren Moore was last used as a substitute in the 2-0 defeat away to Aldershot Town on November 1.
Peschisolido will almost certainly choose between Stanton and Parkes, whose loan deal expires next week.
The Brewers boss said: “Tom is fit and absolutely flying in training — the best I’ve ever seen him — and I was close to playing him at Plymouth.
“At the same time, I also like Stanno’s brand of determination and aggression, so it could be a tough call for me.” Webster (knee) and Kee (groin) both returned to training on Tuesday after missing two games.
Peschisolido said: “They didn’t join in the full session, but they both did some hard straight-line running, which was good to see, but I think realistically we’ll have to wait for the home game against Oxford before we can pencil them in.”
WINGER Jason Banton, who spent a month on loan to the Brewers from Leicester City last autumn, has joined MLS side Seattle Sounders after Peschisolido gave him a reference.
Banton, 19, made only one appearance as a substitute for the Brewers during his time at the club, but Peschisolido said: “Seattle sounded me out about Jason and I told them he could shine in their brand of football because he’s got pace and ability.”
MARK McGhee has been appointed manager at Bristol Rovers - the position that caused a flap for Albion last weekend.
The Pirates had Peschisolido on their shortlist for the job, but the Brewers boss turned down the chance of an interview.
McGhee, 54, replaces Paul Buckle, who was sacked on January 3 with the Pirates only five points off the relegateion zone.
The Scot has been out of work since leaving Aberdeen in December 2010 and has signed a two-and-a-half-year deal.
The former striker previously managed Reading, Leicester City, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Millwall and Brighton & Hove Albion.
FULL-BACK Kevin Amankwaah, who was released by the Brewers last month, made his full debut for League One relegation strugglers Rochdale in a goalless draw at Tranmere Rovers on Tuesday night.
The 29-year-old had spent a week training with Dale and made his first appearance in the 5-1 loss to Stevenage, coming on after all the goals had been scored.
Amankwaah made eight appearances for the Brewers.
GRESLEY’S Derbyshire Senior Cup tie against New Mills on Tuesday was postponed because of a frozen pitch.
