Paul Fairclough faces a selection headache with skipper Ismail Yakubu rated doubtful for the visit of Macclesfield Town and his central defensive partner Sagi Burton already ruled out.

Burton was stretchered off in Te FA Cup draw at Burton Albion with a knee ligament injury that Fairclough has already announced as long term. Yakubu still has a recurring groin problem.

Neal Bishop, who limped off against Chester City after being body checked, has a thigh strain, but a decision on his fitness will not be taken until after the Friday training session to see if there is any adverse reaction. The Chester club doctor saw Bishop after Tuesday's game and the midfielder needed ice pack treatment on the long journey back to London until the early hours.

Striker Anthony Thomas is rated doubtful with an ankle injury, but he will receive more treatment from physiotherapist Mark Stein after training on Friday.

Jason Norville, who has a knee ligament problem, is definitely ruled out.

Michael Leary is set to replace 18-year-old Josh Wright in midfield after the England U19 player returned to Charlton Athletic this week after his three months' loan period.


Dennis Signy