Northampton boss Ian Sampson is set to hand Liam Davis a first start of the season in the FA Cup tie at home to Fleetwood Town.

Davis is set to start after winger Ben Marshall was recalled by parent club Stoke City earlier this week after a three-month loan spell at Sixfields.

Davis broke a metatarsal in pre-season but returned as a late substitute at Torquay last weekend and could start against the Blue Square North team.

On-loan Middlesbrough right-back John Johnson has been given permission to play, but forward Courtney Herbert is unavailable. The youngster is struggling with a back problem but is also cup-tied having represented Long Buckby in an earlier round.

Midfielder Abdul Osman remains out with a back problem but defender Dean Beckwith is in contention to return after missing the defeat at Torquay with a groin injury.