Tom Craddock will be missing from the Hatters' line-up for the League Two clash with Rochdale.

The on-loan Middlesbrough forward, who has netted three times since his move from the north-east, has a groin injury and could be missing for the next fortnight.

Hatters boss Mick Harford said: "Tom has got a bit of a groin problem. He's going off to Lilleshall for a weeks intensive treatment and hopefully he'll be back in the next two weeks.

As to whether this would affect Craddock's loan deal, Harford commented: "We don't want to cancel Tom's loan because if we do and he becomes fit, the window will close and we can't re-sign him.

"Unfortunately, Tom's a bit of a miss for us. He's great to have around the place, a great attitude and a good player as well."

One player who will feature at Spotland is veteran striker Kevin Gallen.

The MK Dons frontman, who joined the Hatters on loan a week ago, made his bow against Dagenham & Redbridge and is likely to partner Chris Martin up front.

On Gallen, Harford said: "He brings the experience. He's enjoying it, he looks like he's enjoying his football again.

"He gets into those little pockets where he can't be marked. He's clever and intelligent and hopefully hime and Chris (Martin] can link up again as they did against Dagenham & Redbridge."

The trip to Rochdale will be Town's second visit to the north-west in the space of four days and Harford accepts that the travelling is a factor they will have to deal with on what will be a difficult mission.

He added: "We'll travel up tomorrow (friday] and train at Bury. We want to get up there as early as possible and get the journey out of the way.

"We had a long journey back from Alrtrincham the other night, some of the lads didn't get to bed until 4.30am, maybe five."

"It's a difficult place to go. They've had a good start to the season.

"It's back to the league and if we can keep a clean sheet, as we have done over the past few games, we feel we can go up there and hopefullt get three points."