Richards and Byrom shake off injuries ahead of Crawley trip, and Hoskins returns

FITNESS BOOST - Joel Byrom has shrugged off a back strain and will be available for the Cobblers' trip to Crawley Town on Tuesday

Cobblers skipper Marc Richards and key midfielder Joel Byrom are both expected to shake off injury niggles in time to play in Tuesday night’s Sky Bet League Two clash at Crawley Town.

Top-scorer Richards suffered a sprained ankle in Saturday’s 2-1 win at Notts County, while Byrom complained of a stiff back after the match at Meadow Lane.

But both players trained on Monday, and are set to be available for selection.

Also back in contention is forward Sam Hoskins, who missed the trip to Nottingham due to a foot injury, while Ricky Holmes is pushing for inclusion in a match-day squad for the first time since August 18.

The former Portsmouth man has recovered from the back injury that has dogged his season to date and is itching to play again, but assistant boss Alan Knill admitted he and manager Chris Wilder are trying to keep him sidelined for his own good.

“Rico turned his ankle, but is training today,” said Knill at Monday’s press conference, with the assistant boss deputising for Wilder, who is ill.

“Joel’s back was stiff towards the end of the game, but again he is training, and Sam Hoskins is back in training, so that gives us another option.

“Ricky is aiming for tomorrow, but we are trying to hold him back. He was aiming for last weekend!

“But we will continue to hold him back and hopefully, if this week goes well, he may be involved on Saturday (against Yeovil).”