Mansfield Town striker and Nottingham Forest loanee Will Swan is expected to make a return, after initially being ruled out for the season, as confirmed by manager Nigel Clough.
The 22-year-old last played in a 1-1 draw to Crewe back on the 14 February, after suffering an ankle injury which was expected to end his season.
Despite not being a consistent starter for the Stags, starting in 11 of his 25 league appearances, the Nottingham Forest-owned striker has still been effective in front of goal, scoring nine times to date.
With Swan now recovering better than expected, Clough expects the striker to return for the final four games of the campaign.
Mansfield are currently in a battle for promotion, sitting just outside the playoff places in eighth place. The Stags are two points behind Salford in the last playoff spot, while having a game in hand on their competitors.
Mansfield will have bad memories of the playoffs, after narrowing missing out on promotion to League One last season when they suffered a 3-0 defeat to Port Vale in the playoff final.
Swan should offer his team some consistency in front of goal for the last few games, after returning to senior football this year. Playing for Forest’s U23 last season, the youngster scored 12 goals in the process, helping the team reach the play-off in the Premier League 2.
The Stag’s last four games of the season will consist of Stevenage, Leyton Orient, Harrogate and Colchester. That crucial run may have a major implication on Mansfield’s promotion chances and they should receive a boost in Swan’s return.
Writer’s View
Getting back a key goalscorer just before an important set of games is a huge boost for Mansfield.
Swan was starting to find his form before his injury and now should be able to help his side back on the pitch. With just one win in their last five games, Clough’s men have seen too many draws as of late and Swan’s return could impact some outcome.
