Loan signing Richard Dryden could start for Town against Stoke today (Sat 25th Nov)

Manager Andy King would not reveal his team for the County Ground clash but said that the Southampton defender could be in the starting line-up.

"Richard Dryden is in contention for a place," said King.

The 31-year-old centre back is keen to step in as soon as possible.

He said: "Hopefully, I am in contention, but we don't know what the team is yet."

Dryden has come to the County Ground on a month's loan, but he is looking for a permanent move.

"I have enjoyed my first week here," he said. "It would be nice to secure a permanent move if everything turns out right. I am definitely looking for that.

"I hardly played at all last season. In the last two years, I've had a lot of injuries on my knee, little niggly injuries, so I haven't played a lot. That's why I've been loaned out."