Manager Jim Magilton will "nurse" Irish teenager Billy Clarke through the hectic Christmas and New Year programme.

The 19-year-old striker, whose four goals this season have all come as a substitute, is still troubled by an ankle injury that has seen him miss four of their last eight games.

"He's taken a few knocks along the way and we will have to nurse him along, but he will be in the squad for the game against Stoke on Saturday," the manager said.

Magilton added: "Much as we would like to field a consistent 11, it is at times like this that you are a little bit wary of what you've got.

"Every member of the squad should be on full alert, ready to play, and I can see from the competitive nature of our training that they are all keen for a bit of the action."