Ian Evatt says leading Wanderers was a fitting reward for George Johnston as the Whites face up to the prospect of being without captain George Thomason for the next few weeks, writes Pete Oliver.
A hamstring injury sustained in training has forced Thomason onto the sidelines and an absence that started with Saturday’s win over Burton Albion.
Eoin Toal also missed a fourth win in five games for the Whites and with vice-captain Gethin Jones currently unavailable, Johnston got the nod from the Wanderers’ boss to captain the team and further enhance his impressive comeback from long-term injury.
“I've been delighted with him really,” said Evatt of the defender, who didn’t play at all last season following knee surgery. “He's exceeded expectation I would say.
“The way he was when he was injured, the work he put in behind the scenes when nobody else was there and no-one else was watching has now come to fruition.
“He's got the benefits of that and he's been arguably our most consistent player so far this season. Great credit to George and hopefully he can continue. He is one of many leaders and he was chosen to lead the team on Saturday.”
Johnston made a winning start as Wanderers moved into the top half of the table and within a point of the top six.
However, Toal - who has previously skippered the side this season - could be back at St Andrew’s tomorrow night (Tuesday) to increase Evatt’s options as Wanderers continue to suffer mixed fortunes on the injury front following the set-back for midfield man Thomason.
“George will be missing probably till the end of November,” confirmed Evatt ahead of the visit to face League One leaders Birmingham City.
“It was a freak accident in training really. He went to block a ball and the impact and contact of the ball put him into an overstretch and damaged his hamstring which is disappointing.
“Eoin will hopefully get the all-clear from the neurologist today and will be passed to play for tomorrow.”