Davis hoping for personnel boost ahead of Swindon visit

Steve Davis will be hoping to have some of his walking wounded back in contention for this weekend’s home encounter with Swindon Town. The Alex boss was without eight of his first team squad for the mid-week trip to Stevenage, so much so that he could name five substitutes.

Youngster Liam Nolan was handed only his second start of the season in central midfield and Davis could only name five substitutes on the bench and that included goalkeeper Ben Garratt.

Midfielders George Evans and Abdul Osman missed the 1-0 defeat at the Lamex Stadium with foot injures and Anthony Grant played despite picking up a knock of his own against Port Vale.

The on-loan Uche Ikpeazu didn’t travel due to his problematic ankle injury but the Watford starlet is improving. The same applies to AJ Leitch-Smith who went over on his ankle in training prior to the Port Vale game.

Long-term absentees Ryan Colclough (hernia) and Max Clayton (ankle) are closing in on a return to training but won’t be considered for this weekend’s fixture. They could be back towards the end of March if they do not suffer any reaction on their return to competitive training.

George Ray (ankle) and Ollie Turton (knee) could boost Steve’s options if they successfully come through the remaining two training sessions.