'Richie Wellens will have to fight for City place'

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Tuesday, February 09, 2010
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This is Leicestershire

Doncaster Rovers old boy Richie Wellens may have to be content with a place on the bench for Leicester City when the two sides clash in the Championship at the Walkers Stadium tonight (7.45pm).

The City midfielder missed Saturday's 2-1 win at Blackpool as he served a one-match ban for his sending-off in the goalless draw against Newcastle on January 30.

Wellens was a £1m capture from the Keepmoat Stadium in the summer, and has been a virtual ever-present in the City side. But defender Jack Hobbs, pictured, admits no-one is guaranteed a place in the starting line-up and said Wellens might find it hard to regain his spot.

Wellens' replacement, Dany N'Guessan, scored City's opener and was a constant threat against the Seasiders.

"That's always the risk when you miss out for one reason or another," said 21-year-old Hobbs. "Dany has come in and done well. We have a lot of quality footballers and our middle three are good on the ball and excellent at give-and-go. The 4-3-3 suits us and it's working well."

If Wellens does get the nod, the 29-year-old midfielder should receive a warm reception from the travelling Doncaster faithful. He played a pivotal role in leading Rovers into the Championship in 2008.

City striker Martyn Waghorn limped off at Blackpool but is expected to be fit while Paul Gallagher needed stitches in a head wound but should also be okay.

Nolberto Solano could also come back into contention after missing the Blackpool trip because of family commitments.

Hobbs is expecting a strong challenge from Sean O'Driscoll's side.

"We haven't played them yet because the match at Doncaster was called off around Christmas, but from what I've seen they are a good footballing side," he said.

"We want to put on a good show for the fans because they really got behind us at Blackpool."

Hobbs described the win over Ian Holloway's side as "a big three points". He said the team were determined to build on their goalless encounter with leaders Newcastle.

"We had to be on our game more physically than in the Newcastle match because that was more down to positional play after we lost Richie," said Hobbs.

"Blackpool were a threat in the air and if we didn't win the first ball we would try to win the second and, if not, make sure we got the blocks in. I thought they applied good pressure but we stood up to them.''

Doncaster are likely to be unchanged, despite their 2-1 home defeat to Reading on Saturday. Their line-up includes former City defender James Chambers.

Charlton's Lloyd Sam is being linked with a possible move to City in the summer. The Addicks winger is still to sign a new contract at the Valley and could become a free agent at the end of the season. City, QPR and Sheffield United are said to be watching developments.

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57 Comments

  • Profile image for This is Leicestershire

    by Bob, Blaby

    Tuesday, February 09 2010, 3:54PM

    “HA HA Fred you are so funny, timberrrrrrrrrrr I can hear things falling down now you leicester boys are in trouble............only in play off places through luck at the minute rather than merit”

  • Profile image for This is Leicestershire

    by Fred, Leicester

    Tuesday, February 09 2010, 3:52PM

    “Dave in Syston
    You don't have to wait till tonight the facepaint looks just great shame about dem shoes you look hideous..”

  • Profile image for This is Leicestershire

    by James, Leicester

    Tuesday, February 09 2010, 3:50PM

    “Frony, do us all a favour and grow up

    You're the one who needs help

    You can talk to someone you know!!? I know it must be lonely, no friends or family, not being accepted by anyone in your miserable little life.”

  • Profile image for This is Leicestershire

    by Fred, leicester

    Tuesday, February 09 2010, 3:49PM

    “Just for you Bluefox.
    timberrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr
    Please no booing tonight think of the other folk asleep in the stadium”

  • Profile image for This is Leicestershire

    by Fred, leicester

    Tuesday, February 09 2010, 3:47PM

    “Tony Lakeland
    Rant of the day old son that PNE debacle really did get you to lose it big style.
    How many different people posting on here today are me?
    You reaaly do need to get some help old chap.
    Never mind the couch potato helps and you must be well thru your PNE videos by now.
    dIRECTIONS TO dEEPDALE ANYONE?”

  • Profile image for This is Leicestershire

    by Blue Fox, Leicester

    Tuesday, February 09 2010, 3:35PM

    “Ronnie, thats because half of the doubters are totally negative whingers consistently. I am up for debate on here thats what it should be for, but when the team is playing well and were in a good position whats with the whinging for no sense, more constructive criticism would be welcomed, not just the usual timbeerrrrrr Leicester going down howard and player slating!”

  • Profile image for This is Leicestershire

    by Dave, Syston

    Tuesday, February 09 2010, 3:33PM

    “FRONY, sit down shut up. A win for the lads tonight, then you will be a blubbering idiot......”

  • Profile image for This is Leicestershire

    by Tony, Lakeland. Fla

    Tuesday, February 09 2010, 3:09PM

    “Stick to the script guys Tony Lakeland and James can't help themselves.
    Plenty of room tonight no rush to the ground more entertainment on COMEDY CHANNEL. tonight. Fred, Leicester

    SPOKE BY A TRUE BLUE CITY FAN IF I EVER SAW ONE!

    HE'S EITHER A BLITHERING IDIOT (well spotted ny Keith NZ) OR, A FAN OF A CLUB NOT A MILLION MILES AWAY, OR JUST A CHILD (well spotted on numerous occasions by James, amongst others)...

    my suspicion? ALL THREE!!!!”

  • Profile image for This is Leicestershire

    by Rich, Yorkshire

    Tuesday, February 09 2010, 3:09PM

    “Wellens to start on the bench. He was foolish to get himself sent off for persistent fouls, he will now have to raise his game and start to justify his 1m price tag. The team seems to have done a little better without him so I wouldn't change winning team.

    Good luck City!!”

  • Profile image for This is Leicestershire

    by Don Castor, Yorkshire

    Tuesday, February 09 2010, 3:04PM

    “Three points for the lads tonight.
    You'll get the same the Rams got”

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