Ling May Bring In Loan Defender

O’s manager Martin Ling may have to sign a defender on loan before Saturday’s game at Peterborough.

With Tamika Mkandawire limping off during the second half at Ipswich on Tuesday night, the O’s boss has doubts over all three of his front-line central defenders.

Ling’s first call on Wednesday morning was to the treatment room to assess the situation before he decides to make a move.

‘Tamika Mkandawire, Alton Thelwell and Brian Saah are all in there and at the moment I’m treading on eggshells,’ admitted the O’s chief.

‘It may be I have no other alternative but to bring a defender in on loan, because I just don’t know who will be ready for the weekend.

‘Mkandawire had a lot of problems with his groin last season and also is complaining of a back problem.

‘Thelwell’s knee tends to swell up after every game and Brian Saah took a whack at Ipswich.

‘I’m concerned about their fitness levels at the moment and we may just need to get another defender in.

‘It’s not their fault, but because of their injuries they have not been able to train very often and it’s a key area of the squad

‘At the moment I just don’t know who is available from week to week and it’s a big issue.’

Ling revealed he has a target in mind who is currently plying his trade with a Premier League side if he has to make a speedy move for a defender, and is also looking to strengthen his squad with a left winger with the money from the Nicky Shorey transfer to Aston Villa.

It means the club should pick up just over half-a-million from the deal, and although some of the cash will go back into the club, Ling will have a tidy windfall.

‘I have targets in mind for the wide left area as well as a defender, if I decide to bring one in on loan,’ he said.

‘Both are bubbling along at the moment, but if a defender comes in it will be before the weekend and it will be the first move I make.’

Ling has until the end of the month before the transfer window closes and he admitted: ‘The one thing that is certain is that the list of players I had without the Shorey money has gone in the bin.’

‘Whatever I do, I will spend the money wisely,’ said Ling. ‘It’s been a long time coming, but it’s a perfect boost for us.

‘I just want to make sure I get it right and I don’t want to waste the money,’ he added.