Knight gets a second shot (From Bucks Free Press)

Knight gets a second shot

9:29am Tuesday 5th August 2008

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WANDERERS striker Leon Knight is back in contention for a starting place against Morecambe on Saturday after bouncing back from being disciplined.

Manager Peter Taylor ordered him to stay away from the club for Saturday's 2-1 defeat against Southend, blasting his fitness and workrate.

Taylor also fined the £55,000 former Chelsea, Brighton, Swansea, MK Dons and Huddersfield hitman following his non-show for the reserves in their 5-0 defeat at Chesham United last Thursday.

Taylor had wanted Knight to play in that game to boost his below-par fitness levels but when it became apparent that Knight was not going to be there for the allotted meeting time, Taylor ordered someone from the club to phone him and tell him not to bother.

He then promptly fined the striker and instructed him that he did not want him around his team for Saturday's match.

But after a weekend where he was left to stew, Knight returned to the club yesterday, trained hard and showed he is ready to buck up.

A delighted Taylor told Midweek yesterday: "He has apologised and taken his punishment on the chin.

"He has bounced back and as far as I am concerned that is the end of the matter."

Knight will be included in what is expected to be another reserve team friendly at Staines Town tonight (ko 7pm), and could even be considered for the League Two curtain-raiser at home to Morecambe.

Taylor said: "He can make the team for the Morecambe match if he keeps working like he has today.

"I want Leon Knight to be a good player and he can be if he works hard. If he does that, there is no reason why he can't play higher.

"Wayne Rooney is a fantastic player but blimey does he work hard as well.

"Leon needs to do that as well. I want him to run around and do more.

"Leon is only a good player if he works hard. I want him to get a bit fitter and work harder."

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