Wilson delighted with international break for bruised and battered Spireites

Chesterfield Reserves vs Gateshead Reserves - Liam Graham - Pic By James Williamson

Chesterfield’s League One clash at Coventry City tomorrow has been postponed thanks to a trio of international call ups for Spireites players.

Liam Graham has flown to the US to play for New Zealand in their friendlies against America and Mexico.

On-loan Liverpool keeper Ryan Fulton, brought in by Wilson during the summer, is with Scotland U21s and Connor Dimaio has linked up with Republic of Ireland’s U21 squad.

For Wilson, the call ups have come at the perfect time.

He has a laundry list of injuries and a weekend off is just what the doctor ordered.

“It couldn’t come at a better time, I’m delighted with it,” he said.

“I’m just glad I’ve got three players called up, believe it or not.

“It’s great because it gives us a chance to get a bit of respite for the injured lads and with a bit of luck by the time we play Southend we’ll have a full squad again.”

Wilson’s squad has been depleted by both long and short term knocks to senior players.

Tommy Lee, Angel Martinez and Liam O’Neil played no part of the 2016/17 season to date and are not yet back in full training.

Dan Jones is out for months with another ankle problem, while Dion Donohue (knee), Paul McGinn (hamstring) and Rai Simons (hamstring) are the latest to report to the medical staff.

Ched Evans, currently on trial at Cardiff Crown Court for a rape allegation, also has a heel injury.

O’Neil and Simons were both out on the Proact pitch on Tuesday night before the EFL Trophy game, indulging in some sprints.

But neither they nor Donohue are ready for competitive action, revealed Wilson.

“Liam is not training with us but he’s getting close,” he said.

“Rai was on the bench because we needed to fill the bench but we weren’t going to play him.

“Dion’s not ready yet, he’s still got a knee problem.”

Wilson, who said the club’s priority over the next week would be to ensure they had players fresh and ready to face Southend, believes the break from action this weekend will also allow further reflection on a disappointing defeat by Accrington Stanley in midweek.

He said: “It gives us more thinking time, it gives the players involved on Tuesday night more thinking time about what involvement is needed to win games, at any level.”