Shackell a doubt for Spurs FA Cup replay

Shackell missed the original tie at Turf Moor with a calf problem after coming off in the first half of the 3-3 draw at Newcastle United on New Year’s Day.

The former Derby man travelled with the squad, which set off on the coach after training today, but Dyche said: “Shacks is still a

question mark with his calf, because he was feeling it towards the end of the game on Saturday (against QPR), he hasn’t trained today but will travel.”

There is also the remnants of a sickness bug in the camp: “There’s a bit of the usual stuff going round, we had a couple go down with it 10 days ago, Dean Marney and Jonah (David Jones) with a bit of sickness.

“Hopefully it’s not enough to take anyone out of the game, but we’ll see.”

Matt Taylor and Stephen Ward are closer to a return, but still not ready yet, however: “They’re going well, they’re not there yet of course, but Matty is pushing forwards.

“He’s been out on the grass regularly, not yet with us, patches of a session - warms up and then breaks off with the sports science and medical team.

“Wardy is a little bit further back but going well, he’s just on the cusp of being on the grass and getting his ankle moving.

“The great thing with having a pin in it is it heals well, it’s a lot more stable more quickly.

“Cammy Dummigan is also coming back from a mild groin operation and making good strides.

“We’re positive with Longy (Kevin Long) as well, the surgeon was delighted with how that went.”

To have the experience of Taylor and Ward over the second half of the season will be invaluable, but Dyche admitted: “No matter who they are we’d be delighted to have them back, it’s a group we believe in - the squad are ready.

“When players have come off the bench or into the side, they’ve delivered performances so we’re happy with whatever team we put out

for any given game, they all know their roles and responsibilities.”