Cox out for three weeks

"Coxy will definitely miss Easter and he looks like he will be out for three weeks with his thigh strain," admitted Stan Ternent today.

But despite the latest injury setback he insisted he had no plans to add to his squad before tomorrow's transfer deadline.

Skipper Steve Davis has missed the last three games with the calf strain that he suffered in the 2-0 win at Stockport County but Ternent will not want to rush him back and risk aggravating the problem with so many potentially crucial games coming up.

"Steve is doing alright," said Ternent about the inspirational skipper who had made such a seamless return after four months out with a knee problem.

It looks likely to be a quiet week on the transfer front at Turf Moor as Ternent is also not planning to see any departures. His aim is to maintain as a strong a squad as possible ahead of a possible play-off campaign.

To that end a number of his first team players are set to feature in a strong reserve team line-up for the match at Port Vale tonight.

"Most of those who have not had a game recently will play because it is important they get some match practice," he said.

With Cox definitely ruled out of the matches against Wolves on Saturday and at Portsmouth on Easter Monday, Ternent will be keen to see French defender Arthur Gnohere in action tonight.

The fans' favourite has not even been on the bench for the last four games but could be needed at the weekend if both Davis and Cox are ruled out.

Greek keeper Nik Michopoulos, who has lost his place to Marlon Beresford since his injury at Cheltenham Town two months ago, will start in goal for the reserves and £1million signing Robbie Blake will hope to impress as he looks to play his part in the promotion run in.

Blake has still only started the one match since his move across the Pennines from Bradford City and will be eager to play a bigger role in the next few weeks.

"Gordon Armstong and Lennie Johnrose will play for the reserves as well," said Ternent.

The manager is confident that Paul Weller will be able to see out the rest of the season despite his need for an operation on his knee.

"That has been postponed to the end of the season because that is what he wanted and we hope that he will be okay," said Ternent.

Weller came on for the second half at Bramall Lane on Saturday and he looked to have suffered no reaction when he took part in the ten year reunion of the fourth division championship winning team at Turf Moor on Sunday.