Wolverhampton Wanderers manager Glenn Hoddle has key decisions to make in his defensive department for tomorrow's match at Plymouth Argyle.
Hoddle has a doubt over left-back Lee Naylor and has to decide how best to replace Gabor Gyepes, who is out for the season and set to undergo knee surgery next week.
Utility player Rob Edwards is his most likely choice but Hoddle has the option of bringing back Jody Craddock after a month out with knee trouble.
Hoddle said: "Jody had 60 minutes in the reserves the other night and he's back in the squad, but it's a little bit early to say he is ready.
"He's trained well for the last two weeks and came through the 60 minutes without any ill effects, but he's lacking in match practice.
"Lee Naylor is 50-50 with his ankle injury. He's trained, but there is a slight doubt there. Although Jackie McNamara came through the 90 minutes against Wigan in midweek with no reaction, he needs more football."
After being out of action since September following knee surgery, McNamara has become a peripheral figure, starting only seven games since his summer move from Celtic. Reports north of the border yesterday suggested that he is considering a summer return to Parkhead.
That scenario will prove more likely if Wolves fail to win promotion, especially as the Scottish international has patched up the differences with Celtic that persuaded him to move last summer. But, whatever level the Bhoys' interest has reached, they have yet to contact Wolves in a bid to persuade McNamara to follow Kenny Miller back north.
Hoddle said: "It's just one of those stories that has come from nowhere. I'm aware of the story about Jackie and I've spoken to him and there's nothing in it. Jackie has just bought a house here and he has no problems with the club."
While McNamara awaits the chance of a first-team comeback before the end of the season, Hoddle said of Gyepes: "Gabor will get a second opinion on Monday. He definitely needs an operation next week. Until he's had the operation, we'll not really know how long he's going to be out for. We can say it's a cruciate injury and, when they go in, they'll know if there's any more damage.
"Jackie has come back in six months, but they are all different and until the surgery is done, we can't put a timescale on it.
"It's a crushing blow for the lad. Last weekend wasn't his best game and he apologised for the mistakes he made, but he's had a very good season, he's a smashing lad who can do well here and it's a blow for him and us." ..SUPL:
