Key defender Gareth McAuley says he could be fit enough to face Nottingham Forest today, despite manager Roy Keane saying that the Northern Irishman wouldn’t be fit enough to play two games in three days. McAuley, who is continuing talks regarding his new Town contract, was a surprise inclusion at the Ricoh Arena after recovering from achilles surgery.

McAuley says he's much better for undergoing the operation: “My leg feels better than I remember. It’s very pleasing. I was in a bit of pain for some while before having to resort to an operation. It feels fine now and I had ice treatment on the coach on Saturday night.

“After seven weeks out you can lose your edge, but unless there is a reaction I feel OK to face Forest.”

Keane is likely to take the advice of the club’s medical staff before making a decision on whether to play the 31-year-old.

The former Leicester and Lincoln man has been offered a new two-year contract by Town and says talks continue: “My future is still ongoing. It will take care of itself and I’m focussed on my fitness.”

Skipper David Norris, like McAuley among the 21 players out of contract at the end of the season, says there has been no further progress regarding his new two-year deal: “It’s all gone quiet. I thought we were close.”

Meanwhile, former Blue Jermaine Wright has retired from playing at the age of 35.

The midfielder, a member of the 2000 promotion season and the team which finished fifth in the Premier League the following year, has been playing for Lewes in the Blue Square Bet South, having started the season with crisis club Croydon Athletic.

Photo: Action Images

steed added 12:42 - Jan 3 evans pull your finger out with contract talks Norris was close to sgning contract and now its gone quiet, you probally dont relise not being a football man norris and McAuley can now talk to other clubs if you dont sort it out we wont have a team at all and also sack clegg and have someone at the club who will talk to fans and sort out transfer targets and contract quicker. You cant blame Keane for this he gives you tranfer targets and you do nothing every other club is signing people. If you dont want keane then fine sack him but a new manager would have the same problems no matter who it is , a owner who does not want to show his face and a clegg who coulndt negotiate his way out of a paper bag. Thats my rant over of to the game 2-1 to the blues .

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Mark added 12:45 - Jan 3 Let's hope McAuley can play, as the last thing we want is lots of changes today. A bit of a worrying comment from Norris. I guess he wants a longer term deal than the club will offer. Perhaps Keane wants Colback to come in, a central midfielder who could replace Norris? If Norris walks away though, that is £2M gone.
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Karlosfandangal added 14:34 - Jan 3 Dont think its that easy with contract. Take Luca 8 games and a 3 year contract plus fee, that could cost the club 3 million, What if McAuley wants 25 k a week and a 3 year contract the club might say 2 years and 15k a week. Who knows, He might be looking at a long turn contract as he would be 34 at the end of it and struggle to get a new one with another club. His kids might be going to senior school in the next year. There are loads of reason. If its that easy you could sign 21 players up overnight.

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corshamblue added 21:44 - Jan 3 Please, Please, Please give Macca the contract he wants . . . . By a long way our best player, stop being a bunch of tight wads and offer him a decent deal that's best for the Club. I know reducing the wage bill is important but get shot of the Martin's of the Club and give Macca a decent deal. Clegg your a fool
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