AIDY BOOTHROYD insists Marlon King will not make a surprise comeback against Manchester United on Saturday.
The sight of King, who has been out of action since October, warming up with the players before yesterday's win over Portsmouth fuelled hope that Boothroyd may spring a surprise and name his chief goalscorer in the 16 to face the Red Devils in the semi-final at Villa Park.
But the manager claimed it was just a ploy to try and rouse the crowd following Saturday's horror show at the Riverside.
"Marlon is nowhere near it, he's not fit," declared Boothroyd. "I just wanted to give the place a lift because he is loved here.
"I just wanted to get the fans going and let them know he is still here. He's isn't going to be ready for Saturday."
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