Midfielders could be back in contention for Cambridge United's clash with Stevenage

Shaun Derry keeps his fingers crossed on availability

Shaun Derry is hoping for some good news from the treatment table ahead of Cambridge United’s home game with Stevenage on Saturday (March 25).

Liam O’Neil and James Dunne could both be in contention to return to the squad for the Sky Bet League Two clash at the Cambs Glass Stadium.

Medy Elito has been ruled out with the hamstring injury he picked up after scoring the only goal in the 1-0 win over Cheltenham Town last week.

“We’re going to be missing some key parts of our group,” said U’s boss Derry. “It’s disappointing of course but what really makes me feel proud is that when you do go into battle without some key components of your group, others come to the front.

“And we find a way of affecting the pitch, and we find a way of affecting the match.

“We’re going to be missing Medy. He won’t be able to get back into the group for this weekend which is hugely disappointing considering just how hot he has been this last two or three weeks.

“We’re hopeful that Liam O’Neil can be back amongst the group.

“James Dunne is going to be 50-50, we will perhaps look at him tomorrow (Friday) morning.

“Uche Ikpeazu is out and Max Clark is suspended.

“We’re a few down but we have a local derby, something to look forward to. I can’t wait.”

And Adam McGurk, who has been out since October with a thigh injury, is edging his way back to full fitness.

The striker travelled with the squad to the game at Cheltenham last weekend in order to be immersed in the match-day feel again.

“The reason I wanted him to travel was to change his weekend,” said Derry. “He has spent too much time away from the lads at a weekend. To actually get him involved at a location that was near to his home was important for us and for him.

“I think Adam is perhaps a week away from being involved in the group. He has spent so much time on the treatment table this year.

“He has been a new player that nobody has even seen yet and he has been here nine to 10 months.

“It’s been a horrible season for Adam, and it’s one that he needs to put to bed. But to put it to bed on the back of hopefully getting involved in the last eight games will take him into the closed season with confidence coming forward for next year.”