Hatters boss Rob Edwards gave an update on squad fitness in his pre-match press conference ahead of tomorrow’s trip to Preston North End – then praised both his players and fans for their part in Town's recent run of good form.
Wideman Alfie Doughty is the main injury concern after limping off in the second half of Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Coventry, but Edwards had some positive news on the 23-year-old’s chances of featuring at Deepdale in tomorrow’s 7.45pm kick-off.
“The good thing about it is having an extra day gives him a little bit more time,” said Edwards. “He’s feeling his groin, we thought it was coming from his back, but he was out there training a little bit today. We’ll give him as much time as we can to make the call.”
While Leeds loanee Cody Drameh won’t be fit to return after missing the Coventry trip with a knock, Dan Potts – who has worn the captain’s armband for much of this season in Sonny Bradley’s absence – will travel to the north-west having trained fully in recent days.
“You want Pottsy fit and available anyway, regardless of who is struggling or who’s got knocks,” said the manager. “He’s a leader for us, an important person in the dressing room, so we’re stronger when he’s available.”
And while goalkeeper Jack Walton won’t be fit to feature, Edwards did deliver some good news for the recent signing from Barnsley, with the arrival of his and partner Anna's first baby, daughter Lillie.
"Jack’s getting there, and we’d like to congratulate him as well as he and his partner have had a baby over the last few days, which is some lovely news,” Edwards smiled.
“He’s timed is injury quite well as he’s been able to have a few days with the family, and that always comes first. It’s a special time for them with their first child, but he’s looking quite good and maybe pushing for the weekend.”
Looking ahead to the trip to Deepdale, Edwards spoke glowingly of the fans, with 2,843 travelling to Coventry on Saturday and around 400 expected to make the trip to Preston – with tickets also now available on the day, by cash or card from the away ticket office at Deepdale.
“How good were they (on Saturday)?” said Edwards. “Am I right in saying that we took the most fans away from home in the EFL at the weekend? I think my daughter showed me that. That’s incredible, so well done to everyone, thanks for the support. I thought they were amazing.
“We couldn’t get that win for them, but I thought it was a well-earned point and a good performance, and I felt they recognised that as well against a good Coventry team.
“They were brilliant, and we’re looking forward to seeing them again. So safe journey up to Preston, those that are making it, and hopefully we can reward them with a really good performance, and hopefully some good points.”
The match represents the chance to extend the unbeaten away run in the league to five matches, with fans enjoying the recent run of form and style of play that has taken the Hatters to fourth position in the Sky Bet Championship table.
“We really appreciate that and that’s down to the players, it really is. They are the ones that go over the line and deliver. All the staff work really hard and obviously try to keep everyone organised and give everyone a plan and some direction.
“But ultimately it’s the lads who go out there and do it, so it’s big, big credit to them, and we want to keep doing that. We want our supporters to enjoy watching their team and to be proud watching their team, and that’s our aim.”