Striker Sam Parkin returns to action this evening when Town's reserves take on West Ham at Needham Market's Bloomfields (KO 7pm). Parkin has been out of action since breaking his ankle in November.

Boss Joe Royle told the club site: "Sam has done well in training this week and he'll play tonight and see how he gets on.

"Nicky Forster is also close to a return but the game has come a few days too early for him.

"We have to take it day by day with him but the two of them are desperate to be back playing first team football."

Other than Parkin and Jaime Peters, the rest of the side is made up of academy youngsters, including England U17 international full-back Kurt Robinson.

Reserves: Óskar Pétursson, Luke Webster, Kurt Robinson, Liam Trotter, Scott Mitchell, Russell Short, Jaime Peters, Cathal Lordan, Sam Parkin, Darryl Knights, Kieran Leabon. Subs: James Krause, Tony Boto, Björn Orri Hermannsson, Ollie Fenn, Edward Upson.

Photo: Action Images

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