Striker Marcus Bent could require an operation for a groin problem and sees a specialist today or tomorrow. The former Brentford, Crystal Palace, Port Vale, Blackburn and Sheffield United man has missed the last four Town games through injury.

Manager Joe Royle said today: "Marcus is struggling and I've heard surgery mentioned as a possibility. We'll have to wait and see on that one, but he's certainly not going to be available yet."

Also on the sidelines at the moment are Alun Armstrong (hamstring, seriousness unclear as yet), John McGreal (calf) and Mark Venus (back), while Martijn Reuser and Richard Naylor are both a few weeks away from availability after knee surgery.

Royle is set to start his search for loan players today with out of favour Premiership strikers the most likely targets. An addition to the defence may also be on the cards over the next few days.

Photo: Action Images

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