TOP scorer Luke Norris has been ruled out of Swindon Town’s League Two clash at home to Colchester United tomorrow due to injury.

The 24-year-old, who has scored nine goals in 19 appearances in all competitions this season, limped off in the second half of Town’s most recent match – the 1-0 defeat at home to Forest Green Rovers in the Checkatrade Trophy second round on December 5.

Norris has been hampered by a succession of injury problems throughout the 2017-18 campaign ever since suffering a dislocated shoulder on the opening day of the season.

Forward Paul Mullin and midfielder Amine Linganzi also succumbed to injury in the latter stages of that match against Rovers 10 days ago but Town boss David Flitcroft has declared them both fit to play against the U’s.

“Unfortunately, Luke won’t be available for selection, which is a blow because he has been a top performer for us this season,” said Flitcroft.

“He really helps us in the way we want to play – to lock the ball in, retain the ball high up the pitch and get behind it.

“With the weather and us having to train on Astroturf, he has not been able to train. We have not been able to get him on the grass as much as we would have wanted.

“Amine has come through the sessions so will be available, which is good, and Paul Mullin has had a really good training week and been really positive.

“We are OK. We have a couple back ready for tomorrow night’s game.”

Flitcroft also revealed Donal McDermott is edging closer to an injury comeback of his own after missing the last six matches with an ankle ligament problem and could be involved in some capacity against the U’s.

“Donal has got a lot more training time in him this week,” said Flitcroft.

“Again, because he has had the ankle injury, training on the 3G does become a problem but he has still been able to get outside and work on grass but not with the first team.

“Don will be in and around what we are doing tomorrow night.”

Dion Conroy, Timi Elsnik and Chris Hussey remain long-term absentees for Town, with the latter’s recovery from a groin injury continuing to stall.

Hussey, on-loan from Championship side Sheffield United, has not featured since picking up the problem in Town’s league win at Forest Green back on September 22.

Flitcroft added: “The progress has really slowed down in terms of Sheffield United and their specialist getting to the bottom of it.

“That’s where we are, making sure we keep communications good between us and Sheffield United.”