UPDATED: Duo set to return for Hatters

Target man Jon Shaw and midfielder Arnaud Mendy are both back in the frame to figure against Dorchester Town in the second round of the FA Cup at Kenilworth Road on Saturday, writes Mark Wood.

Both are likely to be named amongst Luton’s seven substitutes as the two sides are set to meet for the second time in five days after the 2-2 draw in the first round of the FA Trophy on Tuesday night.

Alex Lawless has staved off a knock that forced him off in that game, but Luton will be without cup-tied defender Simon Ainge, with the fit-again Dean Beckwith a possibility to deputise.

Boss Paul Buckle, speaking at today’s special press Conference at the University of Bedfordshire, said: “He (Shaw) has trained for two or three days now. No game, he’s not had a reserve game or any practice match.

“He has got through them three days, him and Mendy I’m hopeful will both be up for selection on Saturday, albeit if I do put choose to put them in the squad it will probably be as a sub.”

Shaw is champing at the bit to be involved and start, but Buckle is refusing to rush him and is happy with his other options.

He continued: “I think he’d like to start the game, but with being out for over three weeks now, and not having a reserve game, I would be reluctant to start him.

“I think (Andre) Gray’s in great form. (Scott) Rendell and him have formed a partnership and (Stuart) Fleetwood has come off the bench and scored so I’m not desperate to push Jon back although we do know what Jon can do whether he starts or comes from the bench that he’s a real goal threat.”

Buckle will also have York City loan signing Jonathan Smith available, after the Minstermen were knocked out of the competition in the first round without the midfielder not having played for them.

The Town chief said: “Smith is available now, so that is a plus for us. I thought he played very well on Tuesday night.

“With the weather coming in as it is now and the heavier pitches it’s a different game of football and I think it suits someone like Jonathan Smith, so I’m delighted to have him for the game and we lose Ainge so we will have to make one change for sure.”

Wide man James Dance is also now an option, but is likely to have to remain patient after recovering from a long-term ankle injury.

“He’s pushing for a start,” said Buckle. “He’s been desperate since he put his boots back on to play.

“He’s looking very good in training, although I’m quite happy with the way we played the other night. I thought it was a tough game which we had to commit to from the first minute.

“We done that, so again James will have to be patient. But it’s certainly good to have him back.”

However, he will have to make do without Ainge and is still undecided how Luton will cover for his unavailability.

Buckle added: “I think the one thing I’ve been looking for is some consistency in the team selection and continuity and I feel the last three games if you look at our record over the last 15 games or so I think we’ve been in really good form.

“It will be disappointing that Simon misses it, but it’s opportunity for maybe Beckwith or if we decide to bring Ronnie (Henry) over one or maybe (Lathaniel) Rowe-Turner which we’ve done before. I can’t give the game away as to what we are going to do, that would be foolish of me.”