Traynor baptism of fire
by Matt Pitman

Friday 31st December 2004

LOAN signing Robert Traynor is to make his full Terras debut in return Dorset derby at the Wessex Stadium tomorrow.

The Crawley forward, who has joined an initial one-month deal, made brief second-half appearance
Weymouth's crushing 4-1 defeat Dorchester Town on Boxing Day.

But boss Steve Johnson reckons the 20-year old ex-Brentford player could be the ideal n to help his side ease the pain of that embarassing setback with a win over the Magpies tommorow (3pm kick-off)

He told Echosport: "Robert trained with the other night and during that session must have put in at least 50 quality crosses for Kirk Jackson and Lee Phillips.

"He looks a very lively player and show one or two nice touches when he came off the bench on Boxing Day

"There is a good chance he could start tommorow and if he does I'm certain he can make big impact and provide the quality that needed.

"Since arriving at the club, I've said time at the time again that we need to get crosses in for Kirk and Lee to score the goals.

"Robert is definitely one of our players who can do that and I'm hoping he will prove effetive tomorrow and hit Dorchester where it hurts.

"He is with us for an initial month and after that we'll see how things are and whether we want to take things further."

Crawley boss Francis Vines said he was happy with the deal that brings Traynor, who has featured regularly for the Nationwide Conference club this season, to the south coast.

Vines said: "Robert has found his chances with us limited lately and the loan will give him a chance to get some games under his belt."

Meanwhile Johnson is playing his selection cards close to his chest ahead of the big derby clash at Radipole Lane.

He admitted there would be changes after the Boxing Day reversal, with one the possible recall of defender Simon Browne.

He said: "Simon is definitely in my thoughts in regards to the starting eleven, as are all my fit players.

"If I listened to the fans then Simon, who is an integral part of my squad, would almost definitely be in the team.

"But I am my own man and make my own choices and I'll pick the team I feel is best suited for each individual game.

"Another factor that has to be taken into consideration is that we've also got a game on Monday, when we play Hayes at home, which may need a different team selection from tomorrow."