Southern struggling to be fit for FA Cup Clash

KEITH SOUTHERN is struggling to be fit for today's FA Cup clash at Charlton with an ankle injury.

The former Blackpool skipper, who has lead Town in recent games with Peter Clarke not in the team, picked up the ankle injury in last weekend's game at Leicester.

The experienced midfielder has called on Town 'To Show Some Spirit' after the winless run in the league was extended to 10 games with the drubbing at Leicester.

Keith revealed to htafc.com that 'Everybody is hurting and what happened on New Year`s Day hurt the football club a lot; we need to come out fighting.'

If Southern isn't 100% fit, I am sure he won't be risked, but we need leaders out on the pitch and so many are calling for a return to the side for Peter Clarke.

Those wishes may come true as Joel Lynch is struggling also with a tight hamstring, but Clarke will face competition from Murray Wallace should the young Scot lose his left-back role to Paul Dixon, as is expected.

Alex Smithies, Calum Woods & Danny Ward are also on the treatment table, the latter two are expected not to be fit to play, but Smithies will be, although he could be on the bench as Bennett needs some game time.

Tom Clarke & Oscar Gobern remain longer term injury concerns.

Alan lee is hoping for an inclusion in the match day squad after he was left out on New Years Day, despite returning from suspension.

Beckford & Vaughan are both eligible for the FA Cup, whereas Adam Hammill is not been granted permission to play.

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