LEE CLARK hopes Danny Cadamarteri, Joey Gudjonsson and Lee Novak will all be available for tonight’s crunch Roses derby against Rochdale at the Galpharm.
Cadamarteri has missed three matches because of a back problem but trained yesterday and will be assessed today.
Gudjonsson was ruled out of Saturday’s draw at Yeovil, while fellow hamstring injury victim Novak came off at half-time.
But both have responded to treatment and the manager will give all three the maximum time to prove their fitness.
Promotion-chasing Clark is keen for options as key man Lee Peltier starts a four-match ban after his red card at former club Yeovil.
The Football Association have confirmed the full-back or midfielder faces an extra game out on top of the statutory three because it’s his second sending off this season.
“Cads trained well yesterday, but we’ll wait and see how he reacts,” explained Clark, who will field teenage left-back Liam Ridehalgh, who has recovered from glandular fever, in a private match against Manchester City at the Premier League club’s training ground tomorrow.
“We’re hopeful on both Joey and Lee, and we’ll give them right up to kick-off, but as with cads, we won’t take any risks.”
Clark confirmed Antony Kay, who impressed alongside Peter Clarke in central defence against Yeovil, will be fit after having a head wound glued.
“The nature and location of the cut meant glue was a better option than stitches, but Antony’s fine, and we’re looking for another solid defensive display tonight,” said the boss, whose side follow up tonight’s clash with trips to Bristol Rovers and Brentford.
Unbeaten in 13 in League I, Town remain third, while Rochdale are 13th after losing 4-1 at home to MK Dons on Saturday, their first defeat in 12 outings.
Manager Keith Hill’s squad includes ex-Town loan striker Liam Dickinson, and Dale are seeking a derby double after their 3-0 home win over Town in September.
“That result showed their strength and spirit, because we dominated the game and created a lot of chances,” added Clark.
“We will aim to dominate again tonight and put our chances away and get those three points.”
