Newton and Asafu-Adjaye back in contention

Light at the end of the tunnel for Hatters duo

HATTERS duo Adam Newton and Ed Asafu-Adjaye are both available for the Sunday trip to Mansfield in the FA Trophy, writes Mike Simmonds.

Asafu-Adjaye has missed the last nine games, while Newton hasn’t featured since September 28, coincidentally against Mansfield, after suffering an Achilles injury.

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Town boss Richard Money said: “The really good news is that (Adam) Newton trained this week and will be in the squad which has given everyone in the squad a real boost because he’s extremely popular in the dressing room and a really good voice in the dressing room

“He’s like a newborn baby, because there was a time where we thought he might not be able to recover in time this season. But it’s improved significantly over the last two or three weeks and he’s trained this week and I have to say, really surprised us.

“Eddie’s back in the squad for the first time in weeks. He looks as though he’s got over a multitude of problems, all probably related to his back.”

There wasn’t such good news about injured pair Shane Blackett or Alex Lacey, while right back Dan Gleeson is also a doubt for the clash.

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Money continued: “Gleeson has a little bit of a knock on his knee, let’s see how he is on Saturday.

“Shane’s a little bit longer. Hopefully he’ll be back in training again next week. I wouldn’t say he’s been breaking down, but the operation he had in his groin is causing him more of a problem than his hernia had and has taken a while to heal.

“Alex Lacey has improved and hasn’t had to go through surgery, but I couldn’t say definitely when he’ll be available to train and play.”

One selection that is without doubt for the trip to Field Mill is between the posts as Kevin Pilkington will be number one for the remainder of the competition.

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Money said: “I’ve said all season that I think we’ve got two fantastic goalkeepers. He’s come in this competition already against Gloucester and Guiseley and arguably been man of the match.

“I think it’s very important that we take this opportunity to give him valuable match practice at a high level.

“He’s important behind the back four. He’s got great experience and it’s common sense to keep him involved.”

There was also good news regarding winger Robbie Willmott, who along with Paul Carden is cup-tied for the FA Trophy, but is available again after recovering from a thigh problem. Money added: “Robbie Willmott will be fit for Tuesday, he trained with us and is fine.”

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