Andrew Davies could miss City’s crunch home clash with Northampton this afternoon because of a calf problem.

Phil Parkinson will make a late call on the centre half but is not prepared to take any chances with the hectic schedule over the final three weeks of the season.

Michael Nelson, who last played in the 4-1 loss at Exeter, is primed to fill in alongside Rory McArdle.

The calf discomfort is thought to stem from his back and Davies saw a chiropractor on Thursday afternoon.

Parkinson said: “Davo has to be 100 per cent right to play. With the games we’ve got coming up, there’s no need to risk anybody at all if they aren’t right.

“Nels is obviously ready to step in and there’s no concerns on that. We’ve chopped and changed things around a bit but he’s played really well since he’s been here – I thought he was excellent at York and Port Vale.”

Nelson has played nine times since his January move from Kilmarnock for an undisclosed fee thought to be around £30,000.

Davies missed three months of the campaign with a knee injury. Since coming back at Wycombe in February, he has made ten appearances and started the last five games.

Parkinson added: “I’m pleased with Davo because we rushed him back to play without any reserve game. We nursed him along and he’s missed a few games along the way but he has done a good job.”

Meanwhile, Valley Parade will play host to a 25-year reunion for the 1988 group of club apprentices.

They include Northampton boss Aidy Boothroyd and faces familiar to the fans like Lee Duxbury and goalkeeper Mark Evans.

The event has been organised by Lee Clapham and City’s director of operations David Baldwin, who was a winger in that team.

Baldwin said: “They are coming to watch the game and enjoy some hospitality at the ground. It’s a good opportunity to compare expanding wastelines and hair loss – I think I’m leading the way in both those categories!

“The under-18s won the intermediate league that year and were a good team. A high number of us went on and played professional football either at City or with other clubs.

“We’re hoping Aidy will find time to catch up with everyone after the game.”