Marek Cech will start only this third game of the season against Wigan Athletic – if Paul Robinson fails to recover from his ankle injury in time. The Slovakian international has been understudy all season to Robinson and has been absent from recent squads after rumours regarding the 26-year-old’s professionalism.
Robinson was forced off in the 59th minute with a troublesome ankle injury and was immediately sent for a scan with Cech now on standby should Mowbray’s first-choice fail to recover in time for Saturday (KO 3pm).
“Marek is a player at our club that, when he's had an opportunity, has done very well for us,” Mowbray admitted.
“Marek's been very unfortunate in the fact that I've chosen Paul Robinson at left-back rather than him.
"Whether he agrees with it or is happy with it - that's been the scenario.
"If Paul isn't available then Marek is naturally the next choice.
"We'll wait and see what Paul's prognosis is.
"There's an obvious disappointment from Marek about his current situation.
"But he's a contracted footballer who works hard in training and maintains his fitness.
"When an opportunity for him to play comes along he's got to perform.
"That's the same with a lot of players on the outside of the team.
"They've got to work hard to keep pushing - and Marek is no different."