Danny Mandroiu is set to return to the side on Tuesday night as the Imps take on Oxford United at the LNER Stadium.
The winger has been out of action following a three game suspension after his mistimed challenge against Burton Albion two weeks ago, but he is available once again on Tuesday night.
Mandroiu hasn’t featured since Mark Kennedy was dismissed by the club, meaning Tuesday night’s game at home will be his first under Tom Shaw. Following his red card against Burton, Kennedy was vocal to local media with criticism of the Irish forward.
Speaking to the media today, Mandroiu said: “I want to apologise for my tackle against Burton and letting the supporters down. I’ve already apologised to my team-mates, there was no malice in the challenge, but unfortunately I didn’t get the ball and I’ll learn from it.”
BBC Radio Lincolnshire reporter Rob Makepeace followed up Mandroiu’s answer by asking what he though of Kennedy’s comments surrounding his attitude, and if he agreed with what his former head coach had said.
Mandroiu said: “No I don’t agree with any of it. It was a surprise to me personally [what Kennedy said], but that’s football and he will have his opinion.”
Interim head coach, Shaw, is looking forward to introducing Mandroiu back into the team, and hopes the Irishman can have a positive impact on his side.
Since taking over the reigns from Kennedy, Shaw has picked up seven points from his opening three games, including an impressive victory over Michael Appleton’s Charlton Athletic last Tuesday.
Shaw said: “I love Danny [Mandroiu]. Any coach in this division would love to have him, and we’ll have a think about if he features how that looks.
“The lads have got a lot of respect for Danny and they’ll be just as happy as the supporters that he’s back available.”