Andy Gascoigne return like ‘massive new signing’ for Harrogate Town - Weaver
Andy Gascoigne could make his first league start for Harrogate Town since his double leg break last season, according to boss Simon Weaver.
Gascoigne scored twice in Town’s West Riding County Cup quarter-final progress against Barnoldswick Town 6-1 on Tuesday evening and came off the bench in Saurday’s 2-1 defeat at Gainsborough Trinity.
The former Goole United midfielder has not started in the Vanarama National North since he was floored by Chorley captain Andy Teague.
But Weaver revealed he was in his plans for Saturday’s away trip to Stalybridge Celtic.
Weaver said: “I think he is really close, even if it’s just for 45 minutes.
“He can turn a game in one moment and has got that bit of class about him.
“We’re looking to give them pitch time as soon as possible, maybe even at the weekend.
“He would be like a massive new signing for us.”
Defender Danny Ellis is also in the frame to mark his return from injury at Bower Fold – a ground Town have struggled for points at in recent years.
However, Luke Shiels faces another two weeks out due to a knee problem.
Town last beat Stalybridge at Bower Fold in 2010, which four single-goal defeats since.
Celtic edged Town 2-1 last season and came back from 2-0 down to win 3-2 in the 2013/14 campaign.
On Stalybridge, Weaver added: “We haven’t got a tremendous record there. It’s something we have to put right.
“We dominated last year but they put away their chances better.
“We expect them to a big, physical side. Liam Watson has a great record with those tactics so we will have to find a way to counter it.”