Imps will miss Ian Pearce, says Moses Swaibu
Pearce damaged his hamstring in the 1-1 draw at Rochdale in League Two on Saturday and could be out for several weeks, leaving the Imps with just two fit centre-backs, Swaibu and Centre of Excellence graduate Hone.
Former Crystal Palace starlet Swaibu, 20, and Pearce, 35, have formed a productive partnership over the last two games as City have earned 1-1 draws with league leaders Dale and Crewe Alexandra.
Swaibu was drafted into the team when fellow centre-half Adam Watts suffered a broken leg at Grimsby, which compounded the loss of Aston Villa loan star, defender Nathan Baker (ankle).
"Myself and Ian have formed a good partnership over the last two games, against Rochdale and Crewe," said Swaibu.
"But all the players work hard together in training, every day, and at some point during the season there is the likelihood that you will be playing alongside each other.
"I came in after Adam Watts was injured at Grimsby and myself and Danny (Hone) had played previously together at Chesterfield and did okay.
"Hopefully tomorrow night we will be able to put in good performances again."
Pearce, brought to the club as Chris Sutton's assistant manager, has kept his place in the side after a series of mainly sterling performances.
The Bury St Edmunds-born stalwart has provided a calming influence at the heart of the Imps defence, with the team's debacle at Port Vale the only blot on the copybook of his City career so far.
"He has a big presence and when he speaks, you listen," said former Bromley ace Swaibu.
"He has been there and done it, won the Premier League with Blackburn Rovers. As a young player, I look up to players like him."
To read the full story, and skipper Scott Kerr's exclusive column, buy today's Lincolnshire Echo.
Moses Swaibu.
Comment on this story