LEE CLARK will head South today confident that striker Lee Novak will be available for Saturday’s home showdown with Northern rivals Hartlepool United.
Town’s manager will watch Stevenage Borough and Port Vale fight it out for the right to host his side in the second round of the FA Cup after taking a training session in which Novak is due to take part.
The Geordie frontman sat out yesterday’s work-out after suffering double vision following a blow to the head during Saturday’s 6-0 League I hammering of Wycombe Wanderers, when he was replaced at half-time.
Clark, whose sixth-placed side will be aiming to continue their Galpharm scoring streak (20 in the last four games), explained: "Lee had a rest yesterday just to make sure the effects of the knock were out of his system.
"But it was basically a precautionary measure and I’m confident he’ll be fine for Saturday."
Of tonight’s tie, which is being screened live on the Football Association website and will be settled by extra time and penalties if necessary, Clark explained: "It will be a tough tie whoever we end up playing.
"Both sides have picked up some decent results of late, and I’m looking forward to watching the pair of them."
The tie will take place the weekend after this, with Town’s Hartlepool clash being followed by a league visit to Swindon Town a week tonight.
