Mark Hughes returns from suspension for Northampton and is likely to return to the starting XI against Carlisle following a thigh problem.The Cobblers missed out on the opportunity to move into the League One play-off places on Friday following a 2-1 defeat at the hands of 10-man Nottingham Forest.

Defender Hughes' return means Jason Crowe may be demoted to the bench as boss Gray looks to freshen up his side by ringing the changes.

Fit-again midfielder Giles Coke came through the final 20 minutes against Forest unscathed and is also likely to be restored to the starting line-up in place of Joe Burnell.

Captain Chris Doig has returned to training after his hamstring injury and fellow centre-half Brett Johnson is also back from his own hamstring problem, but both are still a fortnight away from match fitness.

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