Nolan provides update on Fornah and Wormleighton, and assesses Moore's availability for Lincoln

Fornah made his first start in nearly two months at AFC Wimbledon in Tuesday's EFL Trophy quarter-final tie, lasting an hour, but he was not in the squad that travelled to St James Park for personal reasons.

Nolan explained: "His wife is heavily pregnant and it's his first baby so it's an emotional time and he wanted to be with his wife. That's important and we're all supporting him but I'm hoping we might have some good news soon and there'll be another little Northampton Town fan!"

Wormleighton did not feature against either Wimbledon or Exeter after coming on as a substitute in last weekend’s win over Stevenage.

"He has a bit of a knock,” Nolan revealed. “He was supposed to play in the week but he picked up an issue in training. He did train for a couple of days before we travelled to Exeter but he still wasn't 100 per cent and we didn't need to risk it with the other options we have. I thought Jack Burroughs was excellent when he came on, and it’s important we keep this squad fit and healthy because we have a hell of a few weeks coming up."

Meanwhile, on Moore, Nolan was giving little away when asked if he’s ready to start two games in the space of four days following several months out of the game. The 28-year-old was excellent in the 0-0 draw with Exeter but may need to have his minutes managed.

"We'll take it day by day with Elliott,” said Nolan. “He's been out of the game for six months so we don't want to put him through anything that he can't do. I'm hoping he will be in and around it on Tuesday but I'm delighted with what he's doing and to be honest we didn't expect him to be in this quickly. It's just testament to his professionalism and how he conducts himself on and off the pitch.”

January signings Kyle McAdam and Ben Hammond travelled with the squad to Devon and both were spotted being put through their paces by the fitness staff before kick-off, but neither featured in the 18.

Explaining why they were taken down to Exeter, Nolan said: "Because they came in so late in the window we want them to see how we perform and how we work and what we're asking of the players. It's important they hear all the same messages so they aren’t rabbit in headlights when they go out onto the pitch.

"It's also a good opportunity for the lads to gel and to get to know each other when you travel overnight. Kyle’s had a loan but this is new to Ben, like it was to Joe Wormleighton and Jack Perkins and Kamarai Swyer.

"These are all good lads and I want Ben and Kyle to catch up quickly and to get to know how we work so there are no excuses. You will be seeing them between now and the end of the season.”