Last updated 11:43, Thursday, 04 December 2008

Simon Hackney and Paul Thirlwell are both in line for a return at Swindon on Saturday in a double injury boost to Greg Abbott.

The caretaker boss said he is hopeful both key players will come back into the reckoning for the trip to Wiltshire after missing United’s last two games.

Hackney has been struggling wit a calf injury while captain Thirlwell is being nursed through the busy winter fixture programme with a niggling achilles problem.

But Abbott sounded an optimistic note when asked if they would be available for the clash with the Robins, who are also managerless.

“I hope we’ll have them both,” said Abbott.

“We left Paul out against Crewe which means he is almost certain to be fit for selection at Swindon.

“Simon is not as obvious at the moment, but we are hoping he will be fit to travel.”

Thirlwell has been in strong recent form and his return in midfield could be crucial as United pursue three vital league points at the County Ground.

Winger Hackney, meanwhile, will compete with Jeff Smith for the left-sided berth although the former Port Vale man has performed capably on his return to the side in United’s last two outings.

New loan signing Chris Birchall is also likely to be on the bench at Swindon along with fit-again Peter Murphy, who was an unused sub last night.

“Birchall is available – he has worked hard this week,” said Abbott. “Whether he is ready to go straight in we don’t know. We will look at the situation on Friday.”

Midfielder Chris Lumsdon, who suffered an ankle injury in the reserves’ win over Accrington on Monday, is still awaiting news on the extent of the problem.

“There is still a lot of swelling around his ankle at the moment and that needs to go down before it can be properly assessed,” said Abbott.

“He’s not going to be fit for a week or so at the minimum,” said Abbott. “We have to wait for news later in the week.”

Swindon are stepping up their hunt for a manager after Maurice Malpas’ recent exit, with former Blues boss John Ward and ex-Leicester and Plymouth chief Ian Holloway the bookies’ favourites.

Caretaker boss David Byrne is set to hand a debut in defence to 19-year-old Callum Kennedy with Michael Timlin suspended, while Jerel Ifil and Anthony McNamee are also set for recalls.

The Robins should include former United man Lee Peacock and sought-after striker Simon Cox, who has hit 16 goals so far this term.