Nigel Adkins has hinted striker Martin Paterson could make a surprise appearance when Scunthorpe travel to play-off chasing Watford.The Iron's top scorer is to undergo surgery on a long-standing hernia problem on Tuesday and was due to miss the last two games of the season, but the 20-year-old is in the squad to feature at Vicarage Road.

Adkins could be tempted to recall former Leeds midfielder Ian Morris to his starting line-up following his impact when replacing Jim Goodwin - who has had treatment on a hamstring problem - in last week's 3-2 win over Cardiff.

Andy Butler and Izzy Iriekpen have both been in the treatment room with knocks this week but should be fit enough to continue their partnership in central defence as Scunthorpe, already relegated to League One, look to secure back-to-back wins for the first time this season.

Jack Hobbs (groin) should also be fit, but captain Andy Crosby is out for the rest of the season after having an injection in his knee, while midfielder Grant McCann will also miss out after returning home to Northern Ireland to visit his unwell father.

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