Town are pretty much at full strength for tomorrow's match with ailing Swindon. David Johnson is back after suspension and Jim Magilton is available for selection after missing the game at Port Vale. Gary Croft is in the squad but is only expected to be a substitute with Mickey Stockwell replacing the suspended Fabian Wilnis. Full squad: R Wright, Salmon, Stockwell, Clapham, Croft, Mowbray, McGreal, Venus, Brown, Holland, Magilton, J Wright, Scowcroft, Johnson, Naylor, Axeldal, Midgley, Friars and Logan.
James Scowcroft has won the Nationwide League Player of the Month for December. Scowy took the award, voted for by Sky Sports viewers, easily gaining 38% of the poll. Congratulations and perhaps a goal to celebrate tomorrow?
George Burley has refuted the stories circulating yesterday which suggested Town are after Newcastle's Shay Given. Clearly the Town manager is sticking to the promise that no-one will be sold this season. No comment on the rumoured interest in Geordie striker Paul Robinson though...
Jim Magilton is back in favour with the Northern Ireland management. The Ulsterman fell out with previous manager Lawrie McMenemy reputedly after an incident which involved a) an aeroplane, b) Gerry Taggart and c) a large amount of alcoholic beverages.
The new manager, Sammy McIlroy, has welcomed the Town midfield man back to the fold including him in the squad for a friendly with Luxembourg on February 23rd.
Thirty year old Magilton last played for Northern Ireland in June 1998 when the Ulstermen lost 4-1 to Spain. Town's number eleven shirt commented: "This is just what I wanted to hear. You never know how it will be with a new manager, whether he will fancy you or not, but I just want a chance to prove myself. Playing for my country is very important to me. It means a great deal and I would love to be back in the squad. Just being involved would be great, but of course I want to play. I have 43 caps so far and it has always been an ambition to gain at least 50."
Titus Bramble may have his loan period at Colchester lengthened to two months. The centre-half was originally sent to Layer Road for a month to sharpen his fitness after his long absence through injury. However bookings in the games with Bristol Rovers and Blackpool mean he will be suspended for one of the games during the month. A second month will give him a few more games to get back to full match fitness.