Hatters hopeful over returning duo for Ebbsfleet test

The duo made their long awaited comebacks from injury at Kidderminster Harriers on Saturday and both turned in solid performances in Town’s excellent 2-1 win.

Having missed the whole season to date though, and in Blackett’s case almost a year of senior football, Brabin will check on the pair before naming his side.

When asked if they would be available at Monday’s press conference, the Luton manager said: “Hopefully, yes. They were very stiff yesterday and after the game, but that’s to be expected.

“We’ve just got to make sure they’re right. We don’t want to be putting them under unnecessary risk. They’ve got another session today and if they come through that, I’m sure they’re getting a little bit of love and affection in the physio room as we speak. Hopefully we’ve got them available.

“We’ve got to assess every day and every game. We don’t want to be putting any pressure on the players, they’ve got to be right as they did a fantastic job on Saturday.”

Midfielder Keith Keane is suspended though after picking up his fifth booking of the season at Aggborough, meaning Brabin still won’t be able to pick an unchanged side.

He continued: “That’s disappointing as well. We seem to be getting two back and losing three, but as long as we keep getting people back fit, there’s certainly light at the end of the tunnel and we’re not a mile away from having a fully fit squad.”

Town’s injury crisis is finally starting to clear though as striker Stuart Fleetwood could only make do with a place on the bench on Saturday.

Brabin added: “That’s what we want. We want everyone fit and want it to be competitive.

“Everyone knows the standards we set so you’re looking over your shoulders as there are good players sitting on the bench on a Saturday or sitting in the stands.

“That’s what we need and I want people to keep believing they’re good enough to get in the side.”

The prognosis surrounding Dan Gleeson and Freddie Murray was less positive though as the boss said: “It’s still far too early for those two players to give them a timescale. We’re still taking it day by day.”

Hosts Ebbsfleet have struggled so far this season on their return to the Conference as they are in the bottom four with just one home win to their name.

Although not wanting his side to go into the match over confident, Brabin is hopeful they can make it three victories in a row.

He added: “We want to win every game. If we’re right, we’re more than confident we can win football matches. No team in this league will make it easy for you, especially when they’re playing the biggest sides.

“We’re expecting another tough game, but we’re focused on ourselves and if we’re right, we’re confident we’ll get the result. We just want to keep winning games and stay in and around the pack.”

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