CARLISLE United may be expecting their biggest crowd in over a decade when Darlington visit Brunton Park on Boxing Day, but David Hodgson is insistent his side will rise to the occasion.

Ticket sales have been going so well that Carlisle club officials expect to break the 12,000 barrier for the first time since May 1995 - when they lifted the Division Three title in front of a crowd of 12,412 against Lincoln City.

The Cumbrians have enjoyed a successful return to the Football League following their promotion from the Conference last season. They lie third in League Two and boast the division's highest average attendance - 6,026.

However, Hodgson remains unnerved by the trip across the Pennines and has a feeling his side can build on their last league outing - when they beat Stockport 3-0 - and cause an upset.

"Carlisle are expecting a big crowd on what I am sure will be a big occasion for them, but we will beat them," said Hodgson.

"I have a feeling that we will click and if we do that then we will turn them over."

Despite the expected bumper crowd, the game is not all-ticket and visiting fans can purchase on the day. Tickets are £12 adults, £7 juniors and £3 under-11s. Fans are reminded that the game kicks off at 1pm.

Quakers have no fresh injury worries ahead of Monday's clash. Midfielder Anthony Peacock took a knock in training, but will be available.

Following the postponement of the Grimsby game on Saturday, defender Ryan Valentine will now serve his one-match ban at Carlisle.

Hodgson also revealed that on-loan striker Tresor Kandol is back in contention after returning to training following a shoulder injury.

The 24-year-old is due to return to Dagenham & Redbridge at the end of the month. Kandol has so far failed to make an impact at Darlington and Hodgson expects an improvement from the forward in his remaining three games.

"We have no doubts about his ability and now it's time for TK to show people what he can do," said Hodgson.

However, with Hodgson hinting that the absence of Valentine will be his only change, Kandol may have to settle for a place on the Quakers bench.

* Norwich boss Nigel Worthington is set to raid the lower leagues in January to boost his side's season.

The Canaries boss is believed to have Giles Coke and Mark Yeates on his New Year's shopping list.

Yeates is currently on loan at Colchester from Spurs, while midfielder Cole has impressed for Mansfield this season.

The 19-year-old is a wanted man with Southampton, Watford and Sheffield United keeping tabs on the Stags youngster.

Any moves by Worthington will be dictated by Dean Ashton's status in the New Year.

The Canaries frontman has attracted interest from a host of clubs and Worthington's recruitment will depend on whether City can be tempted to cash in on Ashton in January.

* Burnley manager Steve Cotterill reckons the extension to Lee Grant's loan avoids any potential problems over Christmas.

The 22-year-old Derby goalkeeper has extended his loan at Turf Moor as cover for Brian Jensen.

He was drafted in in November and filled in for Jensen, suspended for his sending off in the 3-2 win at Luton.

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