O'Toole and Williams on course to make Cobblers return at Rochdale

The pair missed last weekend’s 0-0 draw against Oxford United with groin and hamstring problems respectively.

Williams has already returned to training and is likely to travel to Spotland, while manager Justin Edinburgh is also very hopeful O’Toole’s problem will have cleared up sufficiently after a prolonged rest.

“I think there is a really good chance that both of them will be involved on Saturday, and that will be a big boost,” said Edinburgh when asked about O’Toole and Williams.

“We have to be a bit careful with John-Joe, because it is rest more than anything that is going to clear up his injury.

“Luke has been out training on the grass, so that is good, and we will look at Thursday to decide on things.

“If they are both in training and if we feel they are have completed enough then they will go into the squad for Saturday.

“But that would mean decisions will have to be made, because I thought Paul Anderson came into the team against Oxford and was terrific.”

Alex Revell also returned to training this week, but the trip to Rochdale is going to be too soon for the 10-goal striker who hasn’t played since January 21, missing 12 games.

“He won’t be ready for Saturday, but Alex is back out on the grass now,” said Edinburgh. “He has been doing a bit of running, doing some ball work.

“He won’t be in contention for this weekend, but possibly for the Sheffield United game next week.”

Edinburgh also revealed that Gaby Zakuani’s hamstring injury is on the mend.

“Gaby is progressing well,” said the Cobblers manager. “There is a chance he will be back before the end of the season, and that will be good for him.

“It has been a frustrating time for Gaby, as well as us, but hopefully he will be back soon.”