Lewington's loan option to plug gap at the back

14 April 2012

Ray Lewington said today he may be forced to bring in a defender on loan to cover for injured Watford players Marcus Gayle and Lloyd Doyley.

Centre-half Gayle has not figured during pre-season training because of an Achilles problem. Full-back Doyley suffered a hamstring injury this week and is likely to be out for a month.

It is a blow to Watford manager Lewington as he attempts to juggle his meagre resources ahead of tomorrow's Championship curtain-raiser at Preston.

"At the moment we are looking strong, but the one thing that worries me is injuries," said Lewington. "In some positions we are spread very thin, like at the back.

"Gayle could start training next week but won't be back in the team for a while. It is a blow because he was player of the year two seasons ago when we converted him to centre-back and did very well last year. Doyley did really well during pre-season. I had pencilled him in the team.

"I have been looking at bringing in a player this week but I haven't been able to get who I wanted, so I will have to look elsewhere.

"I haven't spent too much money over the summer. I have kept a little bit back for loans, which will play an important part of the season."

Despite the injury concerns, Lewington believes his team are at a similar level to their opponents tomorrow.

"Last year, Preston started badly and then picked up, just like us," he said. "They are a neat and tidy side who play good football. They don't have any stars but have a solid look.

"For clubs like us, a lot of it is down to confidence. If you start well, you become more confident and can have a good season on the back of it. Both of us will want to get off to a good start and go from there."

Lewington is confident new signing Brynjar Gunnarsson will fill the gap left in midfield by Micah Hyde, who has joined Burnley.

"He's done very well in pre-season," said Lewington. "He has a good honesty about him, a nice touch, breaks up a lot of attacks and is reliable in his passing. He has a nice partnership with Gavin Mahon. They are both strong, energetic types who get around the pitch."

Preston v Watford, Deepdale, tomorrow, 3pm

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