DARLINGTON'S treatment table may have had more patients than the town's Memorial Hospital this season, but manager David Hodgson believes the timing of injuries could not have been kinder to his squad.

While Hodgson has been forced to reshuffle his pack on several occasions, the Quakers' boss admits his job has been made easier by the order in which injuries have fallen upon his first-team plans.

In the same week that former Republic of Ireland international Curtis Fleming was ruled out for three weeks with a hamstring injury, Hodgson has been compensated by the return to fitness of skipper Craig Liddle.

"(I don't know) whether it be luck on our behalf, but every time we've lost a key player there has been somebody to come in," said Hodgson.

"Lids and Curtis have been in and out of the side this season, but it's always happened at a time where one has been able to replace the other."

Last week Craig Hignett recovered in time from a virus to replace the injured Clyde Wijnhard, before his two-goal blast helped Quakers to a 3-0 win over Shrewsbury Town.

Liddle returned to training last week following a double hernia operation and is expected to make his first start since November when Quakers take on Southend United at Roots Hall this afternoon.

The inclusion of Liddle spells the end of a frustrating period for the defender, who has also fought back from knee and shoulder problems this season.

"If Craig had his choice he would have been back in the team long before now," said Hodgson. "But that's the kind of player he is and it's fantastic to have him back.

"He has put in a lot of physical work in the last three weeks. Once he was up and running we gave him a pre-season programme, so all the ground work is in place.

"All he needs now is three or four matches to regain a good level of fitness.

"I have no doubt that Lids could play against Southend if called upon."

Hodgson has a number of options to consider. As well as Liddle, David McGurk is fit again after recovering from a knee injury, while Joe Kendrick and Ryan Valentine can also play in the back three.

Midfielder Stephen Thomas travelled with the rest of the squad yesterday and could earn a place on the bench after a three-month absence. Thomas - a virtual ever-present for Wrexham last season - had made just ten appearances for Quakers due to a hernia problem. Wijnhard is struggling with a hip injury, meaning Hignett could keep his place in attack alongside Alun Armstrong.

Southend are without Dutch goalkeeper Bart Griemink, who remains sidelined with a knee injury. Darryl Flahavan will continue to deputise. Midfielder Mark Gower could return after recovering from a virus.

Southend booked their place in the LDV Vans Trophy area final for the third time in five years on Tuesday night with a 2-0 win over Swindon Town.

In the league, the Shrimpers have lost just once in their last five games and lie two places above Quakers in fourth.

"I've watched videos of Southend's last two matches and they're a decent side," said Hodgson. "From what I've seen they're as good as anything we've come up against this year.

"We put four past them in October but they've improved immensely since then.

"If we go down there and beat them it will prove we're a good side and in with a good shout."

While the Quakers squad checked in to their Essex hotel last night, Hodgson was in London to speak to former Celtic winger Bobby Petta over a possible move to the Williamson Motors Stadium.

Petta, who has also attracted interest from Leeds United, is a free agent after leaving Celtic last month.

Hodgson remains hopeful of landing the 30-year-old, despite admitting any move would put a strain on the club's financial resources. The Quakers boss has already demonstrated his powers of persuasion by signing former Premiership trio Wijnhard, Armstrong and Hignett this season.

"Kenny Dalglish took Bobby up to Celtic and the people I have spoken to in the game are a little bit gobsmacked that we're even going to try to sign him," said Hodgson.

"We can't afford him, but we'll have to wait and see what we can conjure up.

"If he does decide to come here then you have to take your hat off to him, just like we did when Clyde (Wijnhard), Alun (Armstrong) and Craig (Hignett) signed."

Hodgson has also spoken to the representatives of Jamaican international Damion Stewart with a view to extending the defender's trial with the club.

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