KEITH SOUTHERN faces a fortnight on the sidelines because of his Achilles tendon injury.

The midfielder has been struggling with the niggling problem and has appeared just once in the last three games - as a substitute at Watford.

Defender Joel Lynch (hamstring) is closer to a comeback, and will be assessed before tomorrow's home Championship clash with Crystal Palace.

Caretaker manager Mark Lillis boss welcomed the return of on-loan Leicester duo Neil Danns and Jermaine Beckford, who were both ineligible for Saturday's drawn FA Cup tie against their parent club.

"It's great to have two players with quality and experience to call on," said Lillis, who will take charge for the second time following the departure of previous manager Simon Grayson.

"We set a foundation with our performance against Leicester, and if we can replicate the level of effort, desire and passion than we have a chance."

Lillis is chasing Town's first win in 13 league games against Ian Holloway's promotion-chasing Palace.

Town are being linked with Irish midfielder Jake Carroll, who plays for St Patrick's Athletic.