91Èȱ¬

Fleetwood Town manager Graham Alexander has said he is unwilling to risk Jon Parkin from the start of matches as the striker battles for full fitness.

A hamstring problem has prevented Parkin, 31, from featuring regularly for the Cod Army in recent weeks.

Alexander told 91Èȱ¬ Radio Lancashire: "He's a big player for us but he's not fully match-fit at the moment.

"What do we do? Start with him and run the risk of him hurting himself again? Or come on and make an impact?"

Parkin, who has , external with the Football League newcomers, has appeared from the bench in each of Fleetwood's last two matches, including the 1-1 draw with Cheltenham at Highbury on Tuesday.

Alexander added: "We thought it would be better going that way and it's worked out reasonably well. I don't think him starting would have made us play any better defensively.

"He's a big player at this level and he can be helpful for us, so we need to get him as fit as we can."