Former Celtic FC winger Calvin Miller 'very much in contention' to return for Harrogate Town in FA Cup clash

The 22-year-old former Glasgow Celtic winger featured in six consecutive matches following his arrival at Wetherby Road last month, but was left out of Simon Weaver's match-day squad for recent fixtures against Newport County and Tranmere Rovers.

The Town boss has however revealed that Miller is in line for a re-call ahead of the Sulphurites' live televised showdown with the North West Counties Premier Division outfit.

"Calvin is very much in contention for Friday, he's been really good in training this week," Weaver told the Harrogate Advertiser.

"He's sat out the last couple of matches because he had a long absence from the game last season through injury and I felt he was just starting to look a little bit on the weary side.

"He has started a lot of games since he arrived here and has looked very bright, but his body is still getting used to regular football again.

"You've also got to remember that he is still getting used to us and our style of play at the same time that we are getting to know him."

In addition to Miller, a number of other players who have found themselves on the fringes of Weaver's squad so far this term are expected to start Friday's fixture.

Just as he did in last month’s EFL Trophy win over Leicester City under-21s, the Town chief is set to give the likes of Jake Lawlor, Kevin Lokko and Tom Walker the chance to stake their claims for starting berths when his team entertains the lowest-ranked side left in the competition.

“It will be a chance for players to come into the team, fresh and ready and champing at the bit to stake a claim," Weaver added.

"We've just got to have fresh bodies out there. It's good for lads to come in fresh, because if we just put out the same team that played Tranmere the other night, there are bound to be some heavy legs.

"But, this is not just a run-out, we are obviously looking to win the game.

"We're coming off the back of a defeat that's left us all feeling a bit sore and the match after a performance like the one we saw on Tuesday is always an opportunity for players to come into the team and rubber-stamp their place in the starting line-up."

One player who will definitely not feature against Skelmersdale is out-of-favour left-winger Joe Leesley, while Ryan Fallowfield remains in self isolation and Will Smith is suffering from concussion.

Kick-off at the EnviroVent Stadium on Friday evening is at 7.45pm.