Marlon King is expected to make his long-awaited Coventry debut when they host struggling Preston.
King set for Sky Blues bow, Hume hopes for Preston return
Marlon King is expected to make his long-awaited Coventry debut when the Sky Blues host struggling Preston on Saturday.
The 30-year-old striker finally signed a one-year deal on Monday after being released from jail in July and could start against North End having maintained his fitness while training over recent weeks and taking part in reserve games.
The arrival of the former Watford and Wigan man is not the only piece of good news for manager Aidy Boothroyd as he is also boosted by the availability of Danny Ward (calf), Michael McIndoe, David Bell and Gary McSheffrey (all hamstring) after injury.
However, despite the return of his influential midfield quartet, Boothroyd remains without at least seven professionals including the likes of Freddy Eastwood, James McPake, Gary Deegan, Chris Hussey and Stephen O'Halloran.
City will be looking to build on last week's 2-1 win at Bristol City and maintain their unbeaten home record against a Preston side reeling from five successive defeats.
North End news
The latest came at Wigan in the Carling Cup in midweek, when the Lilywhites led 1-0 in the 87th minute only for the Premier League outfit to snatch two late goals to go through.
Manager Darren Ferguson is boosted by the availability of Iain Hume for the trip to the Ricoh Arena, though.
The on-loan Barnsley striker was ineligible against Wigan having played in the competition in an earlier round for his parent club.
The Canada international will now come back into contention and may earn a starting role as Ferguson's men bid to arrest their dismal slump in form.
Winger Keith Treacy succumbed to injury in the second half at the DW Stadium and will be assessed while defender Callum Davidson missed out with a calf strain.
Both players may miss out while on-loan Manchester United duo Matt James and Josh King are also expected to remain sidelined with ankle injuries.
