Defensive concerns as season approaches

Rob Jones and Cliff Byrne have joined Eddie Nolan on the injury list at Glanford Park.

Nolan suffered a sprained ankle during Tuesday's 1-0 loss to York City and will not befit for next week's Championship opener at Reading.

Byrne suffered a hip problem in training on Thursday and missed Saturday's friendly against Huddersfield.

Jones, meanwhile, started against the Terriers but had to be replaced after 10 minutes because of a groin problem.

Adkins said it was too soon to tell if Jones would be able to face the Royals next week, but expected Byrne to be available.