Cranie nearing comeback ahead of Leicester encounter

Posted Tuesday, September 24, 2019 by PA

Luton defender Martin Cranie could return to contention for Tuesday’s Carabao Cup tie against Leicester.

The 32-year-old has missed the last five matches after suffering a knee injury in the defeat at Sheffield Wednesday last month.

Jacob Butterfield has been on the bench for the last two games and the midfielder is pushing for a recall to the starting line-up.

Callum McManaman stepped up his return from a groin problem with a run out for the development squad last week, but it remains to be seen whether he will be involved.

Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers may use the third-round tie to get minutes into the legs of some of his fringe players.

Danny Ward or Eldin Jakupovic are likely to replace Kasper Schmeichel in goal, while the likes of Wes Morgan, Christian Fuchs, Marc Albrighton, Dennis Praet and Kelechi Iheanacho could also start.

Former Hatter James Justin will be keen to play against his old club, with the defender yet to make his debut for the Foxes following his summer move from Kenilworth Road.

The only previous meeting between the two clubs in this competition came in 1984, with Luton recording a 3-1 home win.