SWINDON Town are lacking goalscoring opportunities and creativity in the absence of injury-hit midfielder Michael Doughty, admits manager Phil Brown.

Town’s faultless three-goal triumph at Yeovil just two weeks ago has almost been erased from the memory of supporters following last Saturday's goalless draw at home to Oldham before Tuesday night’s lacklustre one-goal defeat at Crewe Alexandra.

Those results have prompted discussion among supporters about the lack of confidence and ability in the final third of play, something which Brown admitted to be working on ahead of tomorrow’s League Two home tie against Northampton Town.

The timeframe of Doughty’s mysterious hip injury is unknown, with Brown adding that the 25-year-old will be part of his team selection plans as soon as he gets the green light.

“At the moment he’s taking part in rehabilitation work and fitness work that’s no aggravating the injury that he’s got – which again is a bit of a mystery,” said Brown.

“I don’t want supporters second guessing that there’s something else going on. I can assure fans that the lad is genuinely injured.

“He’s offered goals in his appearances so far, that tells you where we’re at with regards to Michael’s contribution.

“But, at the same time, Michael’s contribution at this moment in time is zero. I want that contribution to be back up to creativity and goalscoring – something we’ve missed in the last two games.”

Elsewhere in the treatment room, Kaiyne Woolery (knee) and Chris Robertson (ankle) are edging closer to making their season debut.

Woolery has spent the entire week training with the first team while Robertson returned to full training for the first time on Thursday after suffering a stress fracture to his ankle.

He said: “Looking forward in the right direction we now have to look at the possibility of a game for both of them – whether that be on Tuesday at Plymouth, a league game or one behind closed doors.

“Chris (Robertson) has been out for a couple of months and Kaiyne is the same.

“Kaiyne is a creative and pacey striker whereas Chris works when the opposition make him work.”