Carl Jarrett issues Burgess and Blackford fitness update

The pair both featured against Newcastle Blue Star after lengthy periods on the sidelines.

Redcar boss Carl Jarrett offered a brief update on the fitness of a number of key players within his ranks.

Kevin Burgess and Jack Blackford each played a part in the Steelmen’s 3-1 victory over Newcastle Blue Star last Tuesday, the boss keen to stress the duo remain far from full fitness.

Carl Jarrett admitted the club captain would be likely to feature against Easington Colliery on Friday night, Blackford expected to be out of contention, but available to make the trip to Whickham the week after.

“Jack’s dying to get back.” Jarrett said of Jack Blackford. “That’s the way he is.”

“He’s been out for a while with a hamstring issue. He stood up and said he’d go on the bench last Tuesday. We didn’t expect that to happen.

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“Kev Burgess is another who really shouldn’t have played. He rolled his sleeves up as captain of the club and did 60 minutes, which won’t do him any harm.

“By the Easington game, I’d expect to have him near-enough back to full fitness.”

Of the four players absent from last Tuesday’s squad, only one is expected to make an appearance.

Jarrett confirmed new signing Jake Stott was away with work commitments when the Steelmen last graced the hallowed turf of Green Lane, the forward now in line to make his debut on Friday evening.

Olly Cann remains sidelined with a precautionary issue, Jack Bennett expected to return to the grass within weeks, whilst Craig Gott faces a longer path to recovery, and a stint with Danny Todd’s Reserves.