Swindon vs Port Vale preview - Cooper to monitor Byrne

Posted Monday, August 17, 2015 by PA

Manager Mark Cooper will have to run the rule over Nathan Byrne ahead of Swindon's home clash with Port Vale.

BBC Wiltshire reported on Monday that Championship side Burnley were preparing a bid for the defender and Cooper will monitor the situation before deciding whether to include him in the squad.

Michael Smith, who has also attracted interest, is expected to keep his place in attack with fellow striker Jonathan Obika a doubt after being forced off with a calf injury against Bury at the weekend.

Midfielder Anton Rodgers is pushing for a starting place, having come off the bench to score the equaliser in Saturday's 2-2 draw, while Drissa Traore could make his debut having recovered from a hamstring injury in time to be named a substitute at Gigg Lane.

Vale are assessing the condition of midfielder Ebo Andoh as they prepare for the trip.

Andoh, who came off early in the second half of Saturday's 1-1 home draw with Gillingham, has a hamstring problem but it is not thought to be too serious.

Defender Remie Streete, now fully-fit again, could come back into the first XI after being an unused substitute at the weekend.

Midfielder Michael O'Connor (knee) and goalkeeper Chris Neal (ankle) are still sidelined while it remains to be seen whether recent signing JJ Hooper is brought into the matchday squad for the striker's first involvement since joining.