Swindon vs Crewe Alexandra preview - Thompson return boosts Robins

Posted Friday, August 22, 2014 by PA

Swindon will be boosted by the return of Louis Thompson when they welcome Crewe.

The midfielder has served his one-match suspension after a red card in last Saturday's 1-0 loss to Crawley and he could step straight back into the starting line-up against the Railwaymen and replace Ben Gladwin.

Massimo Luongo has been resting his tight hamstring ahead of kick-off but the Robins are hopeful he will train in the build-up and be able to feature.

Boss Mark Cooper was handed an injury boost when Liverpool loanee Brad Smith was able to return to action in the 2-2 draw with Gillingham on Tuesday night having recovered from a knee problem but Cooper is expected to be without midfielder Anton Rodgers once more.

Brad Inman staked his claim for a starting berth for Crewe's trip by scoring twice for the under-21s in midweek.

The midfielder was an unused substitute in Tuesday's 5-2 defeat to Rochdale but might be at the front of a queue should Steve Davis consider changes.

No new injuries were picked up for the Alex but summer recruit Chris Atkinson could make his first start after impressing off the bench.

Defender Harry Davis is training again but is a long way from first-team football following his knee problem, while young forward Ryan Colclough (hernia) is speeding up his recovery process at St George's Park.