Chris Powell says that Jake Carroll is in contention to play for Huddersfield Town against Fulham and added: “This experience will stand him in good stead.”
The 23-year-old Irish product made his eighth Town start, and first under his current boss, in Tuesday’s 2-2 home draw with Norwich City.
The knee injury which has ended Jack Robinson’s loan stint from QPR means Carroll is the most senior left-back on the books.
He played more than 50 times for Dublin club St Patrick’s Athletic and has also had loan stints at Bury and Partick Thistle since joining Town in 2013.
“It was a tough test for him against Norwich but he adapted well,” said Powell, whose side are 17th in the Championship.
“He had to come off due to cramp, but that was down to the pace of the game.
“I know Jake played a few times early last season, but has suffered from injuries and has been out on loan.
“He had a few nerves on Tuesday, but they went, and he will have learned from playing against someone like Nathan Redmond.”
Town will be without forwards James Vaughan (suspended) and Harry Bunn (hamstring) as they seek a first win in six games.
But 12-goal top scorer Nahki Wells could feature for the first time since the 3-0 home victory over Reading on February 24.
He is back in full training following a shoulder injury and keen to prove his fitness in order to join up with the Bermuda national team.
Frontman Joe Lolley is also pushing for inclusion after missing the Norwich draw because of a hip niggle.
Fulham, who are 21st, are without suspended left-back Kostas Stafylidis and have a worry over their 12-goal top scorer Ross McCormack.
He injured a knee during Wednesday’s 3-0 home defeat by his former club Leeds United.
