ANDY BOOTH could be back on duty for Town in the FA Cup this weekend.

The 30-year-old frontman missed the 1-1 draw against Brentford because of a thigh niggle and had a scan yesterday.

It revealed no serious damage and, if Booth can make a successful return to training later in the week, he will be added to the squad for Saturday's first-round tie against Stockport at Edgeley Park.

The news on fellow striker Akpo Sodje (inset) is not so encouraging however.

The 22-year-old also had a scan yesterday and it's now thought his thigh injury - also suffered in training - will keep him out for up to a month.

That's a big blow for Efe's brother, who had forced his way into the first-team picture on the back of excellent goalscoring form in the Reserves.

"I'm not ruling Boothy out of the Cup match," said manager Peter Jackson today.

"The scan was precautionary and revealed nothing bad, so he'll have more treatment from physio Lee Martin and we'll see how he goes in training later in the week.

"I was a little disappointed with our front two (Pawel Abbott and Junior Mendes) on Sunday because I felt that if we'd been a bit more decisive in Brentford's box we would have won the game. I'm not having a go because they showed the same commitment as everyone else, but getting Boothy back would give us options.

"It's more concerning about Akpo, obviously, and it's a real sickener for him when he was pressing his claims."

Talks are continuing with Nathan Clarke's agent and a new contract should be agreed soon.

While Town Reserves visit Notts County tomorrow (2.00), the Juniors take centre stage at the Galpharm tonight (7.00) when they play Rochdale in the FA Youth Cup first round.

Under FA rules, it's £3 for adults and £1 for concessions and only the Lawrence Batley Stand lower tier will be open for a tie which must be settled tonight.