TOWN duo Lee Fowler and Andy Booth have been ruled out of Saturday's crunch clash with Colchester.

It's a major blow for manager Peter Jackson as both players would have been selection options at Layer Road following last weekend's sorry FA Cup defeat.

Fowler - who went on as a sub in the 3-1 first-round exit at Stockport - misses out because of a groin injury suffered in the Reserves at York on Monday while Booth is still sidelined by a thigh problem.

There's better news on striker John McAliskey and versatile Tony Carss, however, who were included in the 18-strong squad which left today for a training camp in Essex.

Both came through fitness workouts yesterday under the watchful eye of physio Lee Martin, who has also worked intensively to help Andy Holdsworth overcome an ankle injury suffered in training.

Holdsworth will have a fitness test tomorrow and will be given until Saturday, if necessary, to prove he's ready to face Phil Parkinson's 15th placed side, who are just three points behind Town in 10th but looking for a first win in nine outings.

"It's a big blow losing Boothy and Lee for what will be a tough test," said Jackson today.

"If we were to risk Boothy he might break down and be ruled out for a long spell, so it's not worth chancing it at this stage in the season.

"We'll aim to get him fit and ready for the Wrexham game at the Galpharm the following week and that goes for Lee as well, who showed some good form when he went on against Stockport."

Rob Edwards (hamstring) travelled today and is included in the first-team squad for the first time in two months.