Simon Grayson has plenty of other options, with latest loan signing Jake Livermore hoping to make his debut following his recent arrival from Tottenham, Barry Bannan - on loan from Aston Villa - and Neil Kilkenny among those vying for places in the starting line-up.
Striker Billy Paynter will miss out as he starts a three-game ban following his dismissal in the 2-0 defeat at Sheffield United last time out, so Ross McCormack, Davide Somma or Sanchez Watt will also be hoping to benefit.
Grayson must decide whether to recall fit-again Paul Connolly, recovered from a hamstring injury, or retain Eric Lichaj, another loanee from Aston Villa, and has no other injury or suspension problems as his fifth-placed side take on sixth-placed promotion rivals Forest.
Source: PA