Hackett and Akinfenwa fit for Northampton Town trip to Exeter

Akinfenwa was susbtituted at half-time of Tuesday night’s win over Bristol Rovers after landing awkwardly on his hip and sustaining what was essentially a dead leg.

Hackett was not even in the matchday squad for that game, with manager Aidy Boothroyd resting him for the full evening to ensure his freshness for the weekend game at St James’ Park.

Both were excused from full training on Thursday, but will train with the squad on Friday ahead of the trip.

Also available for selection again is Joe Widdowson, who has completed his two-match suspension for 10 bookings and could line up on the left of midfield – as he did at Southend and Wimbledon – with Lee Collins doing well at left-back.

“Two or three months ago I’d have said we can’t leave Joe out of the team and I still can’t really believe that we’ve got him at the club,” said Boothroyd.

“But Lee (Collins) has been rock solid and so there is a decision to make there.

“We’ve got lots of variety in all areas now and we’ll get a couple of players fresh from not playing on Tuesday night.”

One player who will not be travelling is Manny Oyeleke, who has returned to Brentford following the completion of his loan spell at Northampton.

The 20-year-old midfielder made just two appearances for the club, starting the game at Rotherham United and coming on as a substitute at Southend.