New club captain Richard Naylor will be confined to the stand after being ruled out of Saturday's League One opener against Exeter City.

The central defender underwent back surgery during the summer and will miss out on the start of the new season.

Naylor could be joined by Neil Kilkenny with a watching brief against Exeter. The Australian is back in training, but boss Simon Grayson says the game may come too soon for the midfielder.

In the absence of Naylor, Jonny Howson is likely to be given the captain's armband.

Grayson could also include four debut men in his starting line-up with Jason Crowe, Shane Higgs, Patrick Kisnorbo, and Michael Doyle all in contention.

Visiting Exeter will be without striker Adam Stansfield and experienced front man Richard Logan. Former Leeds youngster Barry Corr could start up front for the Grecians.

A crowd of around 27,000 is expected and fans are advised to book in advance to avoid potential congestion on the day.