Town are in action twice today with the reserves taking on Northampton at Playford Road this afternoon (KO 2pm) and the U18s facing Crystal Palace in their fourth round FA Youth Cup tie at Portman Road this evening (KO 7pm).

With the academy players in action in the evening, it's likely to be a strong reserves side up against the Cobblers with the likes of Matt Richards, Shane Supple, Jaime Peters and Liam Trotter expected to be involved. That quartet and a number of other players will be looking to impress any watching scouts with loan or permanent moves on the cards in January.

The Blues have already sent four players out on loan this window with Richard Naylor at Leeds for a month, Chris Casement at Wycombe for a similar period, Kurt Robinson spending the same length spell at Rushden and Diamonds and Billy Clarke joining Northampton on an initial four-week deal from Friday.

Town's U18s, who beat Shrewsbury 1-0 in the third round with Ronan Murray netting the only goal from the spot, will face Watford at home in the fifth round if they defeat the Eagles this evening.

The FA have already made the draw for the sixth round and beyond with the Blues facing a trip to Cardiff or Birmingham City if they get past the Hornets.

U18s: Ward, Hyam, Dunbar, Daniels, Watson, Ainsley, Clark, Cawley, Wickham, Murray, Lambe, Meekings, Clemo, Griffiths, Eastman, Brandon.

Photo: Action Images

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