Town boss Kieran McKenna says right-back Harry Clarke is available for selection for Saturday’s trip to QPR, while Christian Walton is making good progress and central defender George Edmundson is training well.

Edmundson suffered with ankle issues throughout pre-season but McKenna says the former Rangers man is now doing well.

“George is fine, George is training well,” he said at his lunchtime press conference. “He’s had one last injection in his ankle a couple of weeks ago because it was still giving him problems all through pre-season.

“But for the last couple of weeks he’s been training really, really well and he’s ready to play and is available, which leaves us in a good position.”

Keeper Walton is out with a plantar fascia tear but the Blues boss says he is doing well.

“Christian is progressing well, he’s out of the boot and he’s started his work in the gym and his rehab is all going to plan so far,” he said.

McKenna says Clarke still has his achilles problem but will be in contention for the trip to Loftus Road.

“It’s one of those, he’s still being managed. It’s a long-standing issue, so it’s management that we’re going to have to be careful of for the foreseeable. But for the same time, it’s one of those issues that players have and can play with for a very long time.

“He’s trained this week, we’ve adjusted his training schedule a little bit. He’s adjusted his programme a little bit to find a way to get to his best condition. He’s had a good week and he feels good and he’ll be available for selection for Saturday.”

Photo: Matchday Images

DeliasMashedPotato added 15:05 - Aug 17 I was worried starting without Clarke and Walton but the way we are going they might have to fight for a place back in the team!
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Suffolkboy added 15:05 - Aug 17 Fingers all crossed, then ! COYB
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Monkey_Blue added 15:21 - Aug 17 I don’t like the idea of “managing” Clarke’s Achilles injury. Surely long term it would be best to have it sorted and not risk it getting worse?
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Bazza8564 added 16:08 - Aug 17 Good news all round, Hladky has done well as has JD but it will be good to have the top boys back sooner rather than later
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OldFart71 added 17:03 - Aug 17 I personally never had any doubt about Hladky. Perhaps too much was expected before giving him a fair chance and he played well in cup games and is gaining confidence each game. Just as well really. I kinda wondered if one of the two main keepers would have moved on, but due to Waltons injury that is on hold.
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Jimmy86 added 17:12 - Aug 17 Saw Fridge being put through a rigourous fitness test/warm up before the Stoke game and he gave a thumbs up at the end of it.. looked like he was testing out that ankle..
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Linkboy13 added 17:50 - Aug 17 While i believe Clarke defensively is the better fullback unless he is one hundred percent fit i would stay with Donasien who hasn't let us down so far. As for Hladky he's a very good number two but doesn't command the area like Walton and that makes me nervous.
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Jugsy added 22:23 - Aug 17 Agree with you Linkboy13. An Achilles injury sounds like it has the potential for being really nasty. Also agree on the Vladky and Walton situation. We’ll be immense when Walton’s back.
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Naylorsrightboot added 11:20 - Aug 18 I'm with Monkey Blue and Linkboy here. I had achilles problems a few years ago. Takes ages to get right. I'm worried what damage Clarke is doing keeping playing. If an op is required they should get on with it. He will be out for a long time, but keep prolonging it isn't helping.
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Jugsy added 13:01 - Aug 18 Same Naylorsrightboot - ruptured mine whilst playing and took me ages to get back. Of course, I didn't have the facilities that Clarke does, but I'd hope the club aren't taking silly risks with his wellbeing.
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dirtydingusmagee added 13:34 - Aug 18 Good news re Clarke's return, And hopefully Edmundson . As for Walton, he will be a while yet i suspect but Vlad is looking ok meantime . Hopefully 3 more points this weekend and couple of signings to help us push on . COYB
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