Parkes Out Of Cup Clash

Tom Parkes suspended for Blades game

It has today been confirmed by the club that defender Tom Parkes will miss Saturday's FA Cup game with Sheffield United. The FA have decided that as a result of inappropriate comments Parkes made after receiving his marching orders against AFC Wimbledon, he will have to miss a second competitive match. The club have said they will not be appealing the decision and will go in to the game without one of their star men.

Jim Paterson deputised at centre half on Saturday against Accrington and looks the most likely to play there again. Adam Virgo is unlikely to be available and Cian Bolger is out long-term, so the Scottish full-back will need to cover alongside Garry Kenneth. It doesn't make the challenge any easier to face the football league's only undefeated club with players who are unfamiliar with their positions, but it's part and parcel of the unfortunate situation we're in injury-wise.

Derek Riordan should be fit enough to start and that's important as we understand that Bolton will deny Tom Eaves permission to feature as they do not want him cup-tied. If this is the case, Riordan is likely to partner Eliot Richards up front.