TUESDAY night’s Checkatrade Trophy success over Wycombe Wanderers has assured manager David Flitcroft that making changes to the Swindon Town team will not create a problem for this weekend’s FA Cup clash at Dartford, should the potential absence of loan players force his hand.

Flitcroft is hoping to receive clearance from parent clubs to allow his loanees to feature against the Darts, the National League South leaders, on Sunday as Town look to win a place in the second round for the first time since the 2011-12 campaign.

Forwards Keshi Anderson and Harry Smith – from Crystal Palace and Millwall respectively – both started last weekend’s 3-0 win at Port Vale in League Two, while Derby County duo Timi Elsnik and Kellan Gordon came off the bench.

Swindon’s fifth loan player, Sheffield United’s Chris Hussey, is currently unavailable due to a groin injury.

Flitcroft made seven changes to the side that beat Vale for the 1-0 midweek Trophy triumph over Wycombe, and that has given the Town boss faith that another potential selection shuffle will not unduly unsettle his troops.

“We are still working on the loan players. We spoke to Crystal Palace and Derby on Thursday, we have not had confirmation yet but we are working through the paperwork,” said Flitcroft.

“I have given them a deadline of 5pm tonight (Friday) because it is our last session tomorrow – we are travelling tomorrow and training in London. I need to know to get the definitive figures.

“I think the Wycombe game showed us that all 22 players are ready and prepared really well. It doesn’t matter what team I pick, they are ready, they are able, they are willing and they are committed to what we are doing.

“It was a real show of strength from us to rest that many players and still get the performance.”

Left-back Hussey has missed the last eight games through injury but Flitcroft is hoping to see him return to action soon after stepping up his recovery programme this week.

Top scorer Luke Norris is also nearing a return to full training after a shoulder problem has forced him to sit out the previous three Town fixtures.

“Chris Hussey and Luke Norris trained alongside us today (Friday). There is a process we have that goes from gym-based work to field practice and then when they are closer (to full fitness), they are training on the pitch next to us,” said Flitcroft.

“We did a bit of crossing with Luke and Chris after training, so they are getting a step closer to being included with the squad.

“If they hit the benchmarks and the objectives we want, they will be involved back with the squad.

“It just depends on how they react to next week’s training programme. A lot of straight-line stuff they have cleared, now they are twisting and turning and doing football-related movement.

“That’s where they will be judged next week.”