Town target Kevin Foley set to join Reading

The 31-year-old, who was in talks about a move to Town, is set to train with the Royals with a view to signing there instead.

Town chief executive Matt Williams said: "Kevin rang me to tell us he has an opportunity to train with Reading, which he felt he couldn't turn down.

"He came very close to signing with us but the Reading thing came up and he has decided to go there after spending the weekend thinking about it.

"If it doesn't work out there we could revisit it because he fitted in here very well.

"But you can understand his reasons. He has the chance to join a Championship club and earn more money than we can afford.

"This is what can happen when you have a player of his undoubted quality – he will attract interest."

Royals boss Steve Clarke is seeking cover for his only right-back Chris Gunter.

The interest in Foley, plus the switch of Dom Smith to right-back and the appearance of Sam Patterson on the bench, placed a question mark over the future of Matt Tootle, who had been an ever-present up to last weekend.

But boss Micky Mellon was non-committal for his reasons, saying: "I just picked a team that would give us the best chance possible of winning the game."

Mellon has explained the absence of Jean-Louis Akpa Akpro from the squad at Gainsborough.

"Jean-Louis needs some time to sort out some things that will remain between him and his family," said the boss.

Meanwhile, Mellon says Scott Vernon is in his plans.

The 31-year-old came off the bench for his first appearance since May at Gainsborough.

Vernon had been made available and has turned down several loan moves.

But Mellon said: "He's been out for three or four weeks with a hamstring injury. So it was a bit of a risk to put him on but it was a risk worth taking."