Brewers hope for double boost
Burton could have Marcus Holness and Chris Palmer back in contention against Altrincham in the FA Cup on Sunday.
Central defender Holness and midfielder Palmer both got 90 minutes under their belts playing for the Brewers' reserves on Tuesday.
Holness, who signed from npower League Two rivals Rochdale in the summer, has not featured for the first team since suffering a hamstring injury in the 3-1 home victory over York on September 19. Palmer, meanwhile, saw his return from an initial Achilles problem delayed by a calf complaint.
Skipper John McGrath completed 70 minutes for the second string following eight months out with torn foot ligaments. Holness and Palmer are pushing for an immediate return to first-team duty, but the first round clash against Blue Square Bet North side Altrincham will come too soon for midfielder McGrath.
Winger Jimmy Phillips remains sidelined having broken a bone in his foot during pre-season, while defender Aaron Webster is still nursing a hamstring problem.
Winger Luke Rooney and central defender Robbie Kiernan have returned to Swindon and Wigan respectively following their one-month loan spells at the Pirelli Stadium.
Altrincham boss Lee Sinnott has no new injury concerns.
Winger Nicky Clee is a doubt for the game as he is nursing a thigh injury, but otherwise Sinnott has a clean bill of health.
The Robins, who have a great history in the competition, are hoping to become FA Cup giant-killers once more this Sunday. In the past, Altrincham have recorded 16 cup victories over opposition from the Football League.
The Blue Square Bet North side have struggled to win games as of late, losing against Solihull Moors and Workington in recent league matches, but Sinnott will be hoping a good cup run can turn their league form around.
Source: PA
