Cobblers midfielder Carter suspended for Milton Keynes Dons tie

Carter saw red for two bookings and will be joined on the unavailable list by senior trio Alex Nicholls, Clive Platt and Chris Hackett for the game.

Platt and Hackett, who have spent most of the summer working at the gym or with the club’s phsyios, have both stepped up their recoveries and will join the squad for full training on Thursday.

Lewis Hornby is also out of the Cup game against the Dons after suffering an unusual injury in the close season.

Hornby has a neural injury in his lower back which is a result of a toe injury sustained over the summer as a result of wearing flip flops.

It is not serious but will keep the 18-year-old old of the Dons game, removing another option in central midfield for Aidy Boothroyd.

With that department light, it is highly likely that Boothroyd will move away from the 4-5-1 system the team played in the 1-0 loss at York City.

That could mean a full debut for JJ Hooper, who came off the bench in injury time at Bootham Crescent.