Phil Parkinson wants to unleash his dynamic strike duo on Northampton by pairing Craig Fagan with a fit-again James Hanson.

The targetman has missed the last three games since tweaking his calf against Burton. But he is making good progress and could return to the fray at Valley Parade on Saturday.

Parkinson is banking on Hanson and Fagan to form a potent attacking partnership. The 2-2 draw at the Pirelli Stadium was the only time they have started together so far, Hanson scoring in a performance the manager still rates as the best of his reign.

After the let-down of the Hereford loss, the big man’s return would be a timely pick-me-up as City look to bounce straight back.

Parkinson said: “We’ve got to make sure James is right because calves can be problematic. But we’ll see how he progresses this week.

“The last game he played was his best. He scored a goal and I was impressed with his all-round play.

“It’s just a shame that the Hanson and Fagan partnership ended so soon after that one game. What started off as a niggle in his calf has dragged on longer than we first expected.”

* Read full story in today’s Telegraph & Argus