Cobblers right-back John Johnson remains a doubt for Tuesday night's second round Carling Cup tie at Reading.

"John is still struggling and Tuesday night might come a bit too early for him," confirmed assistant manager Malcolm Crosby.

"He missed the game at Bury and he has got a bit of a problem with his groin which is related to his back injury.

"Knowing Johnno as I do he will be desperate to play but we don't want to rush him back before he's ready and I thought Paul Rodgers who came in for him on Saturday did really well.

"Steve Guinan picked up a head injury in the second half on Saturday but he will be okay and Courtney Herbert should also travel.

"We might make one or two changes but I don't think there will be too many because we don't want to unsettle the team too much.

"Kevin Thornton comes into the equation, he is a talented player but he's just got to start delivering the ball a bit better.

"Michael Jacobs has found it a bit harder in the last couple of games but he is still very much learning the game at the moment.

"It's a very physical league and in the last couple of games he's been marked a bit more closely which is something he is going to have to get used to.

"He has got to work on his movement off the ball and not always expect the ball to feet but that will all come in time.

"He is undoubtedly a talent and I'm sure he's got a bright future in the game."