Davies is backed to overcome injury blow

Oct 4 2007 by Nick Hilton, Liverpool Daily Post

MANAGER Ronnie Moore insists Tranmere Rovers have the resilience to deal with the long-term loss of Steve Davies.

Scans confirmed that the 19-year-old winger faces cruciate ligament surgery and could be out of action for the remainder of the season.

Moore said: “It is sad news for both Steve and for us. He has been in great form this season.

“But we have a talented squad of players here and we have options for that position. It’s a great opportunity for someone.”

Davies suffered the injury in a fall early in Tranmere’s 2-2 draw with Northampton last Saturday.

Physio Les Parry explained: “As is usual in this situation, surgery will be delayed by two to four weeks while the knee settles down and the swelling subsides.

“If the reconstruction takes place as soon as possible, the aim is to have Steve playing a competitive game again before the end of the season.”

Davies, a product of Tranmere’s youth development system, has more than 60 senior appearances under his belt after breaking into the first-team frame two years ago.

But he added an extra dimension and cutting edge to his game this season after being switched to a wide left role by Moore and helped Rovers made a strong start to the League One campaign.

Davies’s impressive form attracted the interest of several larger clubs and Rovers turned down at least one bid from Leeds United before the close of the August transfer window.

Moore is confident the youngster from South Liverpool will be able to deal with the physical and psychological aspects of the injury setback.

Moore said: “Steve has a positive and strong character and there are plenty of players who had cruciate ligament surgery and came back to hit top form with stronger knees.

“I’m sure that will be the case with Steve.

“He has a top surgeon and the best physio in the league to bring him back to fitness.”

Wirral-born winger Mike Jones filled in for Davies in Tranmere’s 1-1 draw with Crewe on Tuesday night and could be given another chance to impress when Tranmere visit Southend on Saturday.

Meanwhile Rovers are to lose the services of Adnan Ahmed for a fortnight following the midfielder’s call-up by Pakistan for a double-header of international games against Iraq later this month.

Ahmed is due to join up with the Pakistan squad on Monday October 15. The first game against the Iraqis will be Lahore on Monday, October 22 with the return being staged in Syria six days later.

Burnley-born Ahmed, 23, has made only two senior appearances for Tranmere since moving to Prenton Park from Burnley in May, struggling to break up the midfield partnership of Paul McLaren and Steve Jennings.

The international call-up will cause Ahmed to be unavailable for Tranmere’s League One games against Swindon on October 20 and Huddersfield on October 26.