Grant McCann says Doncaster Rovers remain in the dark over the fate of their scheduled trip to Sincil Bank later this month.
The Imps are due to host Rovers on Saturday, November 15, but as things stand, it’s still unclear whether the fixture will be postponed. At the time of writing, I can’t see a squad list for Ukraine Under 21s, Jamaica or Trinidad and Tobago, the three squads that could see the game called off.
City had the original Bradford match called off for similar reasons after Ivan Varfolomeev, Justin Obikwu and Dexter Lembikisa were selected for international duty, but Michael Skubala has previously indicated his preference for this one to be played if possible.
According to the Doncaster Free Press article, any request for postponement must be submitted at least five days before the fixture. However, for the Bradford fixture, the media seemed to suggest it also had to be before the game prior to the postponed fixture.
That means City either have until Saturday, prior to the Rotherham game, or until 5 pm on Sunday, November 9, to make a formal application should they wish to call the match off.
Rovers Preparing As If It’s On
Amid the uncertainty, McCann admitted he’s received no official update from the EFL or Lincoln.
“I don’t know what’s going on really,” he said. “I think they (Lincoln) have five days’ notice before they need to let us know. I think they have three international call-ups – they had three in the last week.
“As far as I’m concerned right now, the game’s on unless we hear anything different over the weekend.”
Rovers themselves will lose two players after this weekend’s clash with Barnsley, with Charlie Crew and Sean Grehan both heading away on international duty for Wales and the Republic of Ireland Under-21s, respectively.
City’s Call
From Lincoln’s perspective, there is a balancing act to manage. Skubala’s side have been hit by absences during previous international windows, and with a busy schedule looming, there’s a temptation to take advantage of the rule. However, the Imps boss has also spoken about maintaining momentum, especially after a solid run of recent performances.
There is also the sporting advantage. Grehan and Crew have six starts between them in League One, while our three have a combined total of two. Would we be gaining an advantage by playing the game?
At this stage, all signs point to the fixture remaining on unless a late request is made. Both clubs have been preparing for business as usual, but fans are still left waiting for official confirmation from the EFL.
Whatever the outcome, the Imps’ packed calendar shows no sign of slowing down, with trips to Barnsley and Rotherham United coming before any visit from Rovers.