Loan update: keeper returns from injury to give Chesterfield a selection headache
Lucas Covolan, on loan from Port Vale to Chesterfield, has returned from injury to hand Chesterfield a selection headache.
Covolan joined Chesterfield on a season-long loan in the summer, a move which probably saw him play his final game for the club, as he is out of contract at the end of the season.
However, the Brazilian has had a mixed start to his spell with the Spireites. The 31 year-old was sent-off on his debut and the subsequent ban prompted Chesterfield to sign Ross Fitzsimmons as cover.
When Covolan picked up an injury, Fitzsimmons again deputised and impressed so Covolan’s return now gives Spireites boss Paul Cook a quandary.
The two stoppers have contrasting styles, with Covolan more of a natural sweeper keeper which arguably suits Chesterfield’s style better, while Fitzsimmons is more of a “traditional” keeper.
With Fitzsimmons playing a key role in Chesterfield’s recent seven match unbeaten run, there is now a decision to be made. If Fitzsimons is to continue in net, what will Chesterfield do about Covolan’s loan deal? Would he be happy being a number two? Given his contract at Vale expires next year, if Covolan fails to secure his starting place will he look to move on to another club in the New Year?