Town striker Pablo Couñago will not be fit enough to play for the reserves on Wednesday against West Ham at Dagenham and Redbridge's Victoria Ground (KO 7pm). The Spaniard is still suffering with the hamstring problem he picked up in the second string game with Derby.

The Blues were hopeful that he might be back in action this week but Couñago is taking longer to recover than was originally expected.

Manager Joe Royle said: "We want as many people fit and available as possible going into the run-in and then, hopefully, the play-offs. We need to be as strong as we can be.

“Pablo trained with us towards the end of last week but the injury is still causing him concerns.

“He won't be ready this week but hopefully next week as he needs some games for match fitness.”

Better news on the injury front is that Martijn Reuser, Alun Armstrong, Drissa Diallo and Georges Santos will all be involved at Dagenham.

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