The midfielder, signed from Trafford earlier in the week, took a knock in training last night and is now rated as 50/50 by Blues manager John Flanagan.
“Tom’s somebody I was looking at for quite a while. Every time I saw him I was impressed. He’s not a flashy player, and may not have caught the eye of some people, but he’s got the qualities I look for,” said Flanagan.
Danny Shaw returns to the squad after a couple of months on the sidelines. Simon Woodford misses out again and Jordan Wright is to undergo a scan on his troublesome knee on Monday.
Matty Warburton is also unavailable but completed a full training session for the first time in nearly three months last night and could be back in a fortnight’s time.
Flanagan continued: “We’re just ticking over at the moment – not really pulling any trees up. We’re not producing brilliant performances but then I’ve not see anyone do that in our division. The level and calibre of players makes for tight games.
“But we’re not picking up results by chance. We’ve got something about us. We just need to stop giving silly goals away.”
Ashton United head to Rushall Olympic with a weakened side. Goalkeeper Paul Phillips and striker Martin Pilkington are both suspended. Greg Pearson is sidelined with a dead leg.
Co-boss Phillips commented: “Gary Gee is facing four games out after his straight red against Whitby last week. In a squad like ours suspensions really hurt you but we only have ourselves to blame.”
After the disappointment of Tuesday’s FA Trophy exit, Stalybridge Celtic travel to high-flying Fylde tomorrow without the services of striker Liam Dickinson and suspended midfielder Aidan Chippendale.
Dickinson suffered a hamstring injury in Tuesday’s game and could be out for up to a month. Chippendale is serving the final game of a three-match ban.
Defender Kelvin Bleau returns to the squad after missing four games with an injured back. Midfield loanee Todd Jordan can be selected again after parent club Lincoln City refused permission for him to play in the Trophy.
Hyde face North Ferriby tomorrow desperately seeking some form ahead of their FA Trophy first round encounter with Spennymoor Town the following week.
Manager Scott McNiven has two doubts: defenders Josh Brizell and Kelvin Lomax. Striker Joe Conchie has moved to Marine.
In the Evo-stik NPL first division north, Droylsden make the short journey to Radcliffe Borough with Ben Deegan and Kevin Leadbetter suspended. Shaun Mylar misses out through injury and Dale Wright is doubtful although he will undergo a fitness test in the morning.
The Bloods have signed Jake Parker. The midfielder, who started the season at Colwyn Bay, had a brief spell at the Butchers Arms two years ago on loan from Fleetwood.
Mossley have a full squad available for their home game with Spennymoor. Dan McDonnell returns after completing a ban.
In the North West Counties League Glossop North End have no injury or suspension concerns ahead of their FA Vase third round tie at 1874 Northwich for which there is £1,500 in prize money at stake.
The same club inflicted a rare league defeat on the Hillmen last week, thanks to a late Matthew Beadle goal, but manager Chris Willcock insists his squad are looking forward to the challenge.