Paul Heatley to return in a few weeks confirms Stephen Baxter as duo make Carrick Rangers comebacks after long-term injuries
Carrick Rangers boss Stephen Baxter has eased fears that talisman Paul Heatley faces a prolonged spell on the sidelines.
The attacker, who had scored in Carrick’s opening two games of the season against Portadown and Limavady United, was absent from the matchday squad last weekend as the Amber Army’s perfect start to the campaign came to an end against Coleraine.
The ex-Crusaders ace was missing alongside striker Adam Lecky as the ‘Gers lost out 2-0 to the Bannsiders at Taylors Avenue.
However, Baxter has confirmed that Heatley is set to terrorise defences again within a matter of weeks – rather than months.
His squad was also boosted by the return of Nedas Maciulaitis and Seanan Clucas, who were named amongst the substitutes, with the pair playing in a reserves game on Tuesday night.
“We've got some good news on Paul,” Baxter said.
"It was a burst or something, a big fluid around the knee but that's all going to be drained on Monday and we expect to see him back in a couple of weeks.
"We are delighted to get some of these guys fighting fit again.
"Seanan and Nedas have been out for a year, both of them, and to see them getting their fitness levels back is good.
“You hope that they start bringing something to the park...they're not 100% ready but they're getting closer and we're going to need all these guys.
"I feel that the squad is a wee bit thin and you'll need that as the campaign starts to grow with injuries and stuff...so looking forward to seeing those guys fully fit and ready to play and hopefully being able to hold our own in this league this year.”
Carrick continue their Premiership schedule away at Bangor on Saturday and Baxter has been impressed by the rise of the club in recent years.
He explained: “I've been quietly impressed with Bangor over the last 12 months, I think they do an incredible job.
"Lee (Feeney) has brought that team through the divisions, he's added some real quality into the fold, upfront they are a handful.
"They're doing well, a team on the up, so I know a lot of people around that area, I live down that direction and as I say, more than impressed with what they're all doing.”