Pablo Couñago and Ben Thatcher will miss Town's two-game weekend trip to Ireland. The Spaniard has been suffering with a groin problem throughout pre-season, while Thatcher is not yet ready for first team action after damaging knee ligaments at the end of last season.

Manager Roy Keane says he is hopeful that Couñago won't be out for too long: "Pablo has done plenty of running but is not quite ready yet. Fingers crossed he will be playing for the reserves next week.

"He picked up the injury on the first day back but he has plenty of time to catch up. Ben has joined in and we are also looking at him for next week.”

Keane plans to play two distinct teams at Waterford on Friday and at Cork on Sunday. The Blues boss says he'll rest Damien Delaney and Jon Walters at Waterford, but will include Owen Garvan and Veliche Shumulikoski, who were subs at Brentford last night.

Waterford announced yesterday that Friday's game (KO 8pm) is sold out while tickets are still available for Sunday's match in Cork (KO 4pm).

In addition to the games in Ireland, the reserves take on Hadleigh at their Millfield ground on Saturday for the Hadleigh Charity Cup (KO 3pm).

Meanwhile, former Town midfielder Ian Westlake has joined Wycombe Wanderers on a two-year deal. Westlake will be reunited with former academy team-mate Matt Bloomfield at Adams Park.

Ex-Town striker Sam Parkin has signed for Walsall having left Luton at the end of last season. Parkin has signed a one-year contract with the Saddlers with an option for a second season.

Released full-back or midfielder Matt Richards has joined Leyton Orient on their pre-season tour of Ireland having impressed during his trial up to now. Manager Geraint Williams has already hinted that the former England U21 will be offered a deal at Brisbane Road.

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