Iron stand firm on strike duo

Scunthorpe chairman Steve Wharton is eager to keep hold of Billy Sharp and Andy Keogh.

Scunthorpe chairman Steve Wharton has warned potential suitors that he is determined to keep hold of strikers Billy Sharp and Andy Keogh in the January transfer window.

Sharp has scored 17 goals for The Iron this term, while Keogh has also netted five times.

They have caught the eye of Wolves boss Mick McCarthy, but Wharton is adamant that neither will be sold to help balance the books at Glanford Park.

"I can't believe for one moment that we will part with Billy Sharp," Wharton said at the club's annual general meeting.

"It would be nice not to be in debt but it would be much worse not to have Billy Sharp and Andy Keogh.

"There will come a time when it is unfair to stop their progress but not in the middle of a season.

"We would really hate to see this team broken up before it has got promoted.

"There is a terrific spirit within the squad and I cannot believe that these two players would not want to stay and give their all to get promotion for this club this season."

Wharton also announced that new boss Nigel Adkins would be given funds to spend in the New Year.

"We did our best to help Brian Laws when he wanted to bring players in and to be fair to Nigel we have to try and do the same," he said.

Scunthorpe midfielder Matt Sparrow, meanwhile, is facing an extended spell on the sidelines after sustaining knee ligament and cartilage damage.

Sparrow, who damaged his knee in a challenge with Carlisle midfielder Chris Lumsdon on Saturday, will consult with specialists on Thursday to determine the full extent of the injury.