Fleetwood Town V Oxford Utd at Highbury Stadium : Match Preview

25 January 2013 15:31
Fleetwood Town V Oxford Utd - view commentary, squad, and statistics of the game live.


Cod Army eye McKenna magic

Fleetwood hope to complete the signing of veteran midfielder Paul McKenna in time to face Oxford in npower League Two.

McKenna was set to become former Preston team-mate Graham Alexander's fifth signing of the January transfer window as the club ironed out the final details of his move from Hull on Friday.

Another ex-Preston midfielder, Barry Nicholson, is doubtful due to an ongoing back injury.

Striker Jon Parkin (hamstring) and defender Youl Mawene (broken foot) are not ready to return to first-team action despite resuming light training.

Parkin took part in a training game last weekend following a lengthy absence and told Fleetwood's official website: "It's been a bit of a grind. I managed to get back and then pulled up again in the first training session I took part in.

"I probably came back just a little bit too quickly. I just need to get fit and try and get in the team. Hopefully the goals will start coming from there."

Forward Andy Mangan (knee) is a long-term absentee.

Oxford will be without the services of Liam Davis. The left-back is expected to be out for a month due to a hamstring injury, with Luke O'Brien set to deputise.

O'Brien has signed a new deal this week which will keep the 24-year-old at the club until the end of the season after his short-term contract expired.

Ryan Clarke is still sidelined after undergoing operations on both shoulders with veteran goalkeeper Wayne Brown set to continue in goal.

Max Crocombe, who received a call-up to New Zealand's preliminary squad for the final stage of qualifying for the Under-20 World Cup this week, will offer cover for Brown from the bench.

Striker James Constable is pushing for a recall having served a four-match ban.

With last weekend's game against Rotherham postponed due to a frozen pitch, Chris Wilder's team have had a two-week break since their 2-1 victory at Capital One Cup finalists Bradford.M

Source: PA