Darlington v Morecambe preview

Lowly Darlo entertain The Shrimps

Last updated: 23rd November 2009  

Darlington v Morecambe preview

Staunton: Could give home debut to Hogg

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On-loan midfielder Jonathan Hogg is expected to shake off a back injury in time to make his home debut for Darlington against Morecambe.

The 20-year-old, who joined the Quakers from Aston Villa for an initial month's loan last week in time to make his debut in Saturday's 5-2 defeat at Chesterfield, was accidentally kneed in the back at Saltergate, but is expected to prove his fitness.

French striker Mor Diop is hoping to recover from the calf injury that ruled him out at Chesterfield and if not teenager Curtis Main will continue up front alongside Simon Thomas.

James Collins, a team-mate of Hogg's in Villa's reserves, is hoping to start after stepping off the bench at Saltergate to score a fine goal.

Morecambe news

Morecambe boss Sammy McIlroy is boosted by the return of midfielder Stewart Drummond for the trip to Darlington.

Drummond has missed the last three games because of suspension and may have to be content with a place among the substitutes following Saturday's 1-0 home win over Cheltenham.

Skipper Jim Bentley is still ruled out with a calf injury but McIlroy has no other new injury or suspension concerns, although midfielders Fraser McLachlan and Manny Panther remain long-term absentees.

Shrimps goalkeeper Barry Roche insists defensive solidity is the key to his side's improved form and is urging more of the same against Darlington.

Roche said: "We did well at the end of last year by keeping a lot of clean sheets - and that is what we need to do again now."

Morecambe 6/4, Darlington 7/4, Draw 12/5