Exeter City vs Notts County - Jonathan Forte hopes to be fit for Exeter clash

Exeter striker Jonathan Forte hopes to return from injury against his former club Notts County.

The 32-year-old, who left the Magpies to move to St James’ Park in the summer, has missed the last four matches with a hamstring problem.

City boss Matt Taylor will see if Forte can be involved in Saturday’s game to some degree, most likely as a substitute – although the Grecians’ failure to score a single goal in his absence could lead to a surprise start.

Jimmy Oates, Dara O’Shea, Luke Croll, Craig Woodman, Jordan Tillson, Archie Collins and Hiram Boateng all impressed in the Checkatrade Trophy win against Yeovil and will hope to keep their places.

Dan Jones is suspended for Harry Kewell’s first league fixture as Notts County manager.

The left-back is serving a three-match ban following his red card in the home defeat to Forest Green last weekend.

It remains to be seen how Kewell will line up his team as the Magpies, tipped for promotion before the campaign, look for their first win of the season.

The former Crawley boss was impressed with his side’s first-half display at Grimsby in the Checkatrade Trophy in midweek and wholesale changes are not expected from that starting XI.