THEO ROBINSON and Antony Kay were back in training today as Irishman Mark McChrystal prepared to play for Town reserves.

The former Derry City defender will be out to impress against Bradford City in tonight’s totesport.com League East Division clash at Valley Parade (7.00).

One-time Northern Ireland Under 21 captain McChrystal, who has had stints at Wolves and Partick Thistle as well as two spells at hometown club Derry, began a trial with Town yesterday.

The 25-year-old is a free agent after ending his contract with Derry, who play in the Southern- based League of Ireland, and Clark is keen to have a close look at the left-sided centre-back.

“I’ve got quite a few contacts over in Ireland, and Mark’s name has been mentioned to me several times,” explained the Galpharm manager.

“He’s got a good pedigree and has been a consistent performer for Derry, and we’re always interested in good players.

“We’re trying to push through the paperwork for Mark to play for the reserves tonight, and having gone on record over his desire to play league football, this week is his chance to show us what he’s all about.”

As well as McChrystal, Clark will be keeping close watch on seven-goal striker Robinson and midfielder Kay, who missed Saturday’s 3-1 setback at Millwall because of an ankle injury and illness respectively.

He’s confident both will be available when Town, now sixth in the table, bid to bounce back at the expense of Saturday’s visitors Stockport County.

“Theo just wasn’t right, but we’re hopeful that rest and treatment over the weekend will have done the trick,” said Clark, who played Robbie Simpson in his place in South London.

“Antony was on the mend by Saturday, but his illness had hit his energy levels, and we didn’t want to risk him passing anything on to the other players.

“He’s got the all-clear now, and I don’t envisage any problems.”