Mark O'Connor has praised City's young defence, and says they could line up together again on Saturday.

Injuries have hit the squad over the past few weeks, giving the likes of Gabriel Zakuani, Ryan Shawcross, Carl Dickinson and Andy Wilkinson a chance to show what they are made of.

And the City coach says he has been impressed with them so far and hopes they can continue their good form on Saturday.

He says: "It could be a case of the defence which ended the game on Saturday starts for us at Leicester.

"Considering how young and inexperienced they are, I thought they did fantastic and didn't get the praise they deserved.

"They had never played together before and to put in such good performances says alot about their spirit and ability."

Despite suffering mass injuries the Potters continued their impressive start to the season with a 3-2 win against Plymouth last Saturday, but O'Connor admits the game could have taken its toll on some of the players carrying knocks.

Saying: "There were alot of players out there last week playing with injuries and it's credit to them that they went out there for us and put in a good shift.

"But now we have quite a few doubts for the clash, there is obviously Clint who is out for about four weeks.

"Stephen Wright has a sore ankle and he won't train today, but hopefully he will be fit for Saturday.

"Dominic Matteo is another one who won't train but he should play on Saturday, he has had an x-ray on his foot but has been given the all clear.

"Mamady Sidibe has a problem with his shin, and to be fair to him he did brilliantly on Saturday because he should have come off at half time.

"Then we have Lewis Buxton and Peter Sweeney who are also carrying knocks but I think Peter will be fine to play, if selected.

"Andy Wilkinson didn't train earlier this week but I think he is ok now, so he will train today and see how he does.

New summer recruits Demar Phillips and Richie de Laet could be included in the squad for the first time at the Walkers Stadium, and O'Connor says both staked a claim with impressive performances during the 2-2 reserve draw with Port Vale on Monday.

"It is possible that both Demar Phillips and Richie de Laet will be in the squad because of the injuries.

"They both started for the reserves and both did well, they are getting better with every game.

"If needs be they will be on and I'm sure whoever is picked will give their all and do a good job for us.

"We have had a few problems in the past few weeks and we have picked up points so I'm not too worried about it."