NATHAN CLARKE stepped up his training today as manager Peter Jackson prayed for a change of luck in the transfer market.
With the clock ticking towards Saturday's visit of leaders Luton to the Galpharm, Jackson has been promised an answer tomorrow from a Premiership club about the loan of a versatile defender.
Meanwhile, he is keeping tabs on a Championship centre-back as a possible addition to a back line which seems certain to include the fit-again Clarke against one of the most prolific strikeforces in League I.
"My efforts to bring in a signing are being frustrated at the moment, but the next 24 hours or so will dictate what happens," said Jackson today.
"All I can do is keep my fingers crossed that something works out, but Nathan Clarke is making good progress after his groin injury and that's a big boost for us.
"Clarkey is stepping up his schedule today and he's pencilled in to play a full part in our preparations for the Luton game.
"Their front two of Steve Howard and Rowan Vine are the big danger and, having talked all week about our frailties at the back, it's important we defend correctly against them and tighten up at the back."
Clarke missed a practice match on the training ground yesterday which featured both Michael Collins and Tom Clarke, Nathan's brother. Apart from hernia victims Andy Holdsworth and Tony Carss, only Anthony Lloyd (calf) is under treatment.
The crowd on Saturday will be swelled by 1,500 children who have taken up tickets through the club's schools promotion.
Over 40 schools have taken part and, because the tickets are for the Panasonic upper tier, fans wanting to sit in that section should arrive early.
Meanwhile, Town's trip to Hartlepool next month has been brought forward 24 hours to Friday, March 25 (7.45) to avoid a clash with the England game the following day.
