Club captain doubtful for cup-tie after bout of illness

Club captain Matt Tootle is not expected to return for this weekend’s FA Cup tie against Sheffield United after suffering a heavy flu virus. Tootle is expected to return to the club on Thursday but is unlikely to be risked against the Blades after the bout of illness.

Manager Steve Davis is likely to give Tootle an extended rest to get over the illness and young James Baillie could start his second game for the club against Nigel Clough’s side after he made his full-debut against Crawley on Saturday.

Steve told the club’s official web-site: “It will be difficult for Toots to come in on Saturday because he has been unwell for over a week. I spoke to him the other day and he is improving. We are hoping he could come back in on Thursday but it is unlikely he will play against Sheffield United.

He added: “We will assess how he is when he comes back in but I don’t think we will risk him.”