Oh baby! Striker James Collins is given paternity leave

Manager Micky Mellon has given the 24-year-old two days off which means he is out of tonight's game at Fleetwood in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy.

"We'll give James some paternity leave because he's had a little boy, so he'll spend some time with his little family," said the Town boss.

Collins missed training last Thursday when his partner was induced, but played in Saturday's 3-0 defeat at Coventry as she hadn't given birth. But the baby has since arrived.

Ian Black is set for a Shrewsbury Town debut and Liam McAlinden gets a rare chance as Mellon rings the changes this evening.

Mark Halstead is out for several weeks with a groin injury so Jayson Leutwiler is recalled in goal.

McAlinden gets only his third start of the season and Nathaniel Knight-Percival is given the night off to allow swelling on his knee to calm down as Mellon recalls Mark Ellis alongside Mat Sadler in a switch to three at the back. There's also a second senior appearance for Sam Patterson at right wing-back.

Midfielder Black has been pencilled in for a debut appearance for his new club as Town play the Cod Army for the first time.

"Ian Black will play," said Mellon, who also hands Junior Brown a rare start against his old club.

"It was always the plan for him to do three weeks' training – because he hadn't done a pre-season – have a couple of reserve games and then start against Fleetwood."

McAlinden, meanwhile, has been challenged to show more desire after winning a rare start.

"What keeps you there in League One or kicks you on is desire, fire and commitment and continual improvement," said Mellon.

"He needs to get better at those things to get into the Wolves team. I've spoken to Liam about that.

"When you get opportunities, you've got to take them."