Jackson in fitness battle
By Matt Pitman

Thursday 17th November 2005

KIRK Jackson is battling to be fit for Weymouth's Conference South trip to Hayes this weekend.

The striker was substituted following a nasty clash of heads in the Terras home FA Cup exit to Nottingham Forest on Monday night.

Early indications were that the heavy blow was serious but boss Garry Hill believes the former Yeovil Town forward will shrug off the setback.

He said: "Kirk is a tough player and he tends to get his fair share of knocks each week because of the nature of the position he plays in.

"He was withdrawn against Forest after suffering a whack on the head and landing awkwardly.

"It takes a lot for someone like Kirk to come off but the blow seemed to daze him for a while and where a head injury is concerned you can't take any chances.

"Our medical team checked him out and fortunately Kirk seemed okay.

"He was walking around alright after the game which was a good sign and we'll obviously keep an eye on how he goes over the next couple of days in training.

"If there's any doubt, Kirk won't play but I'm confident he'll be fit and available for selection to travel to Hayes."

Hill admits the arrival of strikers Craig O'Connor and Danny Shipp, who both netted on their Terras debuts, softened the blow after losing Wayne Purser to an eye injury.

The pair are currently competing with Jackson, Eribenne and Daniel Webb for starting places up front.

Hill said: "Losing Wayne has been a blow, because he is a quality player, but at the moment we're playing a waiting game with him.

"He's had some tests on his eye, which has a blood clot which has built up over time, but we're not certain how serious it is at this stage.

"Wayne is due to have some more tests shortly and we'll know more once that happens.