Brad Halliday given slim chance of making Cambridge United's trip to Crawley Town

Full-back on the way back to full fitness

Brad Halliday has an outside chance of being fit for Cambridge United’s trip to Crawley Town in Sky Bet League Two tomorrow (August 19).

The 22-year-old full-back has been out after having an appendix operation during the summer, but U’s head coach Shaun Derry admitted that there is a slim chance the defender could be back.

“He trained on Saturday morning actually, just before we were playing,” said Derry. “He has had three training sessions, on the back of being out for five weeks, and I’m not sure that is enough.

“But he is a very naturally fit young man, and if there is going to be anyone that can pull on that shirt, having only played four or five training sessions, it will be Brad, so we will leave that until the last minute.”

Another defender who will be hoping to come into the reckoning for a starting place is Kyle Howkins, who joined on a six-month loan from West Bromwich Albion last week.

“He knows he has come in to compete for that centre-half berth but we’ve got two or three other lads that want that shirt as well so there is no divine right just because he has come in from a Premier League club,” said Derry.

“He has to earn that right, just like Scott Wharton did last year. He has to be patient, and when you get that opportunity, you have to keep the shirt.

“But I’m pleased that he’s here and giving us the numbers for centre-half because I think the first two games of the season we were low in that area.

“To have him on board and for him to get used to how we train and play, that will take time as well.”