LEE CLARK is confident Oscar Gobern will be fit and firing for Saturday’s League I opener at home to Bury.
The midfield signing from Southampton missed Saturday’s win at Rotherham after taking a kick on the ankle.
But Clark confirmed: “I kept him out of harm’s way as a precaution and he’ll be fine for Saturday.”
Captain Peter Clarke returned after a back niggle to figure at the Don Valley Stadium, and there was further game time for Damien Johnson, Scott Arfield and Liam Ridehalgh.
The three all made their first appearances of pre-season at Eastwood Town last Thursday and could figure in a behind-closed-doors game at Doncaster tomorrow.
“I’ve arranged the match because we still have players who need to be topped up in terms of fitness levels,” explained Clark.
The manager said he was “very disappointed” with Saturday’s first-half display, explaining: “We didn’t do the right things and looked like we were in holiday mode because of the sunshine.
“But the players responded to what I had said at half-time and showed their qualities after the break. They kept plugging away and it was good to get three goals.
“We had creative players out there who can make things happen, and it’s good to have players with flair who if others are having a bit of an off day, can step in.
“The first half threw up more questions than answers, but the improved second-half show has helped me along in terms of my thinking.”
