Akinfenwa fit, but Platt and Langmead doubts for Cobblers trip to Port Vale

Akinfenwa has sat out training after hurting his back early in the 0-0 draw with Wycombe Wanders on Tuesday night.

The striker was given painkilling tablets during the match to enable him to complete the 90 minutes at Adams Park.

He is expected to remain in the starting 11 with Clive Platt unlikely to be risked with a calf injury that meant he did not feature at all at Wycombe.

Club captain Kelvin Langmead is unlikely to be risked after undergoing knee surgery, and Boothroyd admits being unavailable to call on that duo has been a hindrance recently.

“They are experienced players and they are both very important players to our team,” said Cobblers boss.

“We score more goals when we have them and we win more games.

“That has definitely been the case in their absence and they are two big losses to us.

“They are making good progress but it’s a balancing act and we don’t want to lose anyone for the play-offs.

“I’ll have a look at a few things on Friday and maybe give people an extra 24 hours if they need it.”

Langmead travelled to Wycombe as part of the squad, along with fellow injured players Ishmel Demontagnac (hamstring) and Alex Nicholls (broken leg).

Demontagnac could return to training next week while Nicholls, who is out until the autumn, should travel to Vale Park although he currently has an appointment on Saturday morning.