Kyle Dempsey is under consideration for a first Championship start for Huddersfield Town.
The £300,000 summer signing from Carlisle United pressed his claims to play in the Tuesday-night test at Reading with a positive performance from the bench in the 2-1 defeat at Burnley.
Experienced Dean Whitehead picked up a fifth caution of the campaign at Turf Moor so serves a one-match ban in Berkshire.
That leaves a midfield berth up for grabs, and Chris Powell, who will have striker James Vaughan available after a three-match ban, confirmed Dempsey is an option.
The 20-year-old’s sole Town start was in the Capital One Cup first-round home defeat by Notts County.
He is fully fit after a bout of bronchitis, and Saturday’s was his fourth appearance from the bench.
Powell, who could also call on Phil Billing and possibly Jonathan Hogg, who is on his way back from a thigh injury, said: “Both Kyle and (fellow sub) Nahki Wells affected the game.
“That is what you are after and of course both of them come into contention for Reading.
“Kyle has settled in well, he is over his illness and he is fit and ready.”
Town are 16th in the table after falling victuim to Andre Gray’s double, the first a penalty.
