JOEL LYNCH could be handed his first Huddersfield Town start at Hibs today as Simon Grayson’s side complete their pre-season trip to Scotland.
The former Nottingham Forest centre-back missed last Saturday’s opening pre-season friendly at Guiseley with a strained stomach muscle.
But he played the final 24 minutes of Wednesday’s 1-1 draw at Kilmarnock and has trained without problem since.
“It was good to see Joel in action,” said Town manager Grayson, who will welcome his sixth summer recruit, midfielder Keith Southern, to the club on Monday.
“We’ve been cautious with him because at this stage, there is no point in taking any risks, but he was keen to get a run-out on Wednesday.
“There’s not been any adverse reaction, so he will be in the mix for a longer work-out against Hibs.”
It’s the club’s first visit to Easter Road, where kick-off is 2.00, and Grayson added: “It’s their last friendly, so just like Kilmarnock, it will be another good test for us. At this stage, our games are all about improving fitness and learning from the things done wrong, and I think that’s happened so far.
“We’re working on shape and organisation and aiming to incorporate a passing game, both long and short, into the way we play, and we also want to be able to use dynamic wingers, but we also have to be adaptable, and be able to switch systems and formations during matches, so in pre-season, we will continue to mix things up.”
Grayson has continued his policy of holding two training sessions each day and pointed out: “It’s only natural that the players will feel the affect during the friendlies.
“But as I keep saying, the results of these games are not as important as being right for the start of the season.”
Town return home after today’s game, with their friendly schedule continuing with Wednesday’s trip to League I new boys Crewe Alexandra (7.30).
