JEFF HATTON could soon be back playing for Logica after recovering from a serious knee injury. The commanding stopper last played for the ‘rossoneri’ in the 4-2 defeat against Lusitanos way back on 14th November, and news that he is close to regaining fitness will be a big boost for under-fire Supremo Scott Fleming.

As the climax of the season approaches (traditionally a time that Championships are often won and lost), it is imperative that a defender of Hatton’s class is available for selection. And it is not just his defensive abilities that Fleming will welcome back. The Warrington Warrior has had a knack down the years of contributing a handful of vital goals during each campaign, and already has one strike to his name this season.

"If Selected..." caught up with Hatton as he ploughed a lonely and disciplined furrow on the road to recovery at Logica FC’s state-of-the-art physiotherapy complex, waggishly nicknamed "The Fitzroy Tavern" by some of the players. But I was startled with the reaction to my casual enquiry as to the centre-half’s progress. "There is no truth in press speculation that my injury is a smoke-screen for a much deeper ailment," retorted Hatton abruptly, his lawyer bristling at his side. "My recent visits to The Priory were merely mercy visits to my good friend Stan Collymore." he added.

My genuine gawp of amazement at such a response presumably convinced Hatton that this particular cyber-rag was unaware of any such allegations, and he continued in a less confrontational manner. "The injury is responding well to physio, and I have started clubbing again. A few more weeks of medication, ultrasound and fancy dancing will hopefully see me back to half-fitness."

I am frankly amazed at the leading edge technology and complex dance routines now available to the modern player. In my day, before even lycra cycling shorts had been invented, it was simply a packet of frozen peas, a paracetomol, a couple of pints of stout, and you’d be as right as rain the following Sunday. And Hatton is even fully cognisant of the risks and the importance of pacing his comeback. "Should the knee break down due to excessive bpm, I will consult my German sports injury guru," he explained. All good news for the Logica faithful, and Fleming will be overjoyed at the prospect of a Logica player being as much as half way fit.

Having lulled the Logica star into confessional mood, we asked him to comment on allegations that he had exacerbated his knee injury via some irresponsible clowning about. With Reevado’s dance-floor induced hernia fresh in the mind, the Supremo will not be best pleased that further rumours have reached the press about another of his players getting injured whilst taking part in ill-advised and dangerous activities during their spare time.

Apparently, Hatton glibly agreed to perform linesman’s duties at Logica‘s match against Zeebras back in January. A number of witnesses swear they saw the defender topple over a kit-bag whilst running down the line, waving his flag and concentrating on the play. But the defender was dismissive of such muck-raking gutter-press hyperbola. "The bag incident is another example of unregulated tabloid journalism spinning out of control. I adopted a prone position in order to more accurately judge a tricky offside decision," explained the Deputy Supremo plausibly.

And so it only remains for "If Selected..." to wish Hatton well as he beats a path to recovery and half fitness. Logica’s late promotion surge would greatly be aided by the return of such a quality defender.