The Blues have named a squad of 23 for Wednesday's opening pre-season friendly of the summer at Cambridge United (KO 7.45pm). The game gives fans their first chance to take a look at new signings Sam Parkin and Nicky Forster.

In addition to the new recruits, nine members of the FA Youth Cup-winning side are involved, along with season-long loanee Jimmy Juan, and Dean McDonald who has signed a year-long deal after impressing on a short-term contract last season.

Assistant manager Willie Donachie will be in charge of the Town side with Joe Royle recovering from last week's knee operation. Royle is expected to be back at work next week.

Prior to entering hospital Royle said that the Town management planned to field a different side in each half of the game at the Abbey Stadium.

Although none of the senior players are injured at present, youngsters Gerard Nash, Scott Mitchell, Scott Barron and Billy Clarke are all recovering from problems but aren't too far away from a return to action.

Wednesday's game is a testimonial for Cambridge's long-serving stadium manager Ian Darler. Tickets are available from the U's Ticket Office on 01223 566500.

Squad: Bowditch, Casement, Collins, Currie, De Vos, Forster, Garvan, Haynes, Horlock, Juan, Krause, Lordan, Magilton, McDonald, Moore, Naylor, Parkin, Price, Richards, Supple, Trotter, Westlake, Wilnis.

Photo: Action Images

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