NATHAN Thompson is unlikely to play a part in Swindon Town’s FA Cup clash with Macclesfield on Saturday, but Ryan Harley will be among the Robins’ substitutes at Moss Rose.

Thompson suffered bone bruising in his leg after colliding with a post during the 5-2 victory over Port Vale last weekend and manager Mark Cooper told the local media on Thursday that he was “touch and go” for the trip to the Skrill Premier outfit.

However, Cooper has been buoyed by the return of Harley after a knee problem. The midfielder successfully came through a run-out for Town’s development side at Cheltenham on Tuesday.

When asked about Thompson’s condition, Cooper said: “He’s struggling. He’s got bad bone bruising so he’ll be touch and go for Saturday. It was bad at the time but we thought it would naturally ease off. There was a lot more damage than we first thought in terms of bruising on the bone.

“It’ll be a last minute thing.

“Ryan is in the squad, he’ll travel and he’ll be in contention for Saturday. Technically he’s a fantastic footballer, he’s very clever and it’s like having a new signing. It gives us loads of options in midfield and we’re really pleased to have him back, he’s a good character.

“We’ve got plenty of games coming up so we need to be careful and make sure we don’t set him back but I know if we need him for half an hour or 40 minutes he’s comfortable got that in the locker.”

Swindon Advertiser: Swindon's Ryan Harley, centre

Ryan Harley returns to the Swindon Town squad this weekend