Stitch-in-time for Shaw as Hatters are at virtually full strength for Norwich test

Full-strength Hatters will be looking to cause a major upset when they take on Premier League Norwich City at Carrow Road in the FA Cup fourth round on Saturday, writes Mark Wood.

Target man Jon Shaw is now fully recovered after having stitches in both a head wound and a foot injury, which would have required a painkilling injection had Tuesday night’s scheduled visit of Lincoln City gone ahead.

Energetic young midfielder JJ O’Donnell is also available after recovering from a broken nose that saw him stretchered off in the previous round at Kenilworth Road as the Hatters shocked Championship Wolves 1-0 thanks to player of the round Alex Lawless’ volley.

Speaking at today’s busy press conference, boss Paul Buckle said: “Jon Shaw’s OK now, he had stitches in his foot.

“So the game being called off the other night was good for Jon in many ways because he would probably have needed an injection to get through that game.

“With that being off it’s given Shawy an extra couple of days so that’s a plus for us.

“JJ it was a bad one. I didn’t want to sound like I was underplaying it at the time, I mean it was serious enough, he got taken off on a stretcher.

“But he’s recovered now so again he is another important player for us. Whether he starts or whether we choose to go a different route, he’s only had a couple of days training.

“So I will see how he does today and tomorrow and make our mind up Saturday morning.”

Long-term injuries Garry Richards and Danny Spiller remain sidelined, while defender Simon Ainge and winger Scott Neilson are both cup-tied for the encounter.

City, meanwhile, look set to name a strong side with manager Chris Hughton promising that every player who starts will have played in the Premier League.

Return soon for more big match build up.

Predicted Town team (4-4-2): Mark Tyler, Ronnie Henry (C), Janos Kovacs, Lathaniel Rowe-Turner, Greg Taylor, Alex Lawless, Jonathan Smith, Arnaud Mendy, Jake Howells, Jon Shaw, Andre Gray.

Substitutes: Dean Brill, JJ O’Donnell, Scott Rendell, Stuart Fleetwood, Adam Watkins, James Dance, Matt Robinson.