Town boss Joe Royle is leaving Spanish striker Pablo Couñago out of the squad travelling to Sheffield United on Saturday after another disappointing reserves performance. The former Celta Vigo man was substituted at half-time during last night's 1-0 defeat against Coventry.

Royle told the club site: "Pablo won't be in the 16 for the trip to Sheffield at the weekend.

"He was disappointing against Coventry, never got in the game and was taken off at half-time.

"That's the fourth time he has been substituted in the reserves lately and, although he doesn't like reserve team football, it's important for him to maintain a level of match fitness.

"Shefki and Benty are doing a terrific job for us up front, but if Pablo was turning in good performances in the reserves it would make it difficult for me not to give him a chance if a first team opportunity came along.

"It's not working out like that at the moment though, and other players are working hard to push for their chance, so consequently Pablo will not be involved in the squad this week."

Couñago's absence could lead to call-ups to the first team for either England U17 international Darryl Knights or Irish U19 Billy Clarke.

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