GRAHAM Alexander is hopeful “proper defender” Jack Shepherd will be able to keep playing through the pain.

The centre half went off in the first half of tonight’s EFL Trophy defeat to Rotherham with a recurrence of a hip problem.

But Alexander is optimistic that he will recover in time to be back for City’s next league action against Accrington at the weekend.

The City boss said: “He took a whack on a part of his body where he struggled when he took one on it earlier this season. It’s around his hip area.

“He’s just got this sore point where if he gets a hit, it’s quite a painful one for him and debilitates his running action.

“He’s come back from it a couple of times this season. It just needs a few days to settle down so hopefully by the weekend it will do and he’ll be ready.”

City are already missing Lewis Richards, Tyreik Wright and Ciaran Kelly on the left side of defence.

“It’s been a difficult few months for us,” admitted Alexander.

“But Jack’s a tough boy and if it’s down to how he can manage the pain, from what I know of him he can do that.

“He’s been doing it probably for the last two months. He never pulls out of training and he’s a proper player.

“I think he’ll be fine by the weekend. It was just disappointing to lose him at that stage because he was enjoying the game and he gives us a natural balance on that left-hand side.”

Richards went for a scan on his left shoulder last night and will see a consultant tomorrow to discuss the results.

“Lewis feels good within himself. He’s never done it before but he feels like he’s got a good range of movement.

“We obviously have to get the professionals to assess the damage inside.”