Kal Naismith is expected to return against his former club as the Town entertain Portsmouth on Saturday at Kenilworth Road.

The on-loan defender missed last weekend’s derby with a slight hamstring strain but manager Matt Bloomfield says Naismith should be fit for a return against Pompey, where he spent three seasons.

“He’s fit and he’s in good shape,” said Bloomfield at his Friday press conference. “I think we all saw in those two games, against Sheffield United and Plymouth, what a big influence he is – not just the way he plays but his influence on others. We really missed him last Sunday.”

Meanwhile the Hatters will wait on the fitness of Mark McGuinness, whose ankle injury sustained in the draw with Plymouth kept the defender out of last Sunday’s game.

Bloomfield says the centre-back is “touch and go” having done some work on the training ground on Friday and will be assessed later on Friday afternoon.

“We’ll give Mark as long as possible, he’s just about ready,” added the boss.

But the news on Shandon Baptiste and Marvellous Nakamba was less encouraging for the Town as both midfielders are expected to be out for up to six weeks with calf injuries sustained at Vicarage Road.

Reece Burke has had a set-back in his return with illness keeping the defender away from training in his bid to resume playing.

The Hatters are aiming to end a run of 12 games without a win against Pompey and Bloomfield is hoping his side can find that first win to kick-start their fight for survival in the Championship.

“We’re aware of the frustration and disappointment from our supporters but it’s up to us to try and change things, every day we’re working hard to get better,” said the manager.

“We need to reach the levels we’ve shown against Sheffield United and Plymouth and we need to get back there tomorrow and quickly.

“We need results and momentum is crucial. It can swing and it can swing quickly. We’re hoping for that and hoping we can use it.

“Of course we’re all disappointed where we are but we believe one result can trigger that and we believe we can get out of it.”