FOR the second weekend in a row Joe Wheatley’s involvement in Darlington’s game hinges on a fitness test, but this time around there is more optimism that he could play.

The midfielder has been sorely missed of late having suffered an abdominal problem.

Quakers now suspect it is a hernia, and the player will undergo a fitness test before tomorrow’s game with Stockport County at Blackwell Meadows.

“He may have a hernia, and the good thing is that hernias don’t get worse, they only get better,” said manager Tommy Wright. “Now we think we know what it is he is going to try and play.

“He failed a fitness test last week, but he’s had another week since then and that is a long time when you’re coming back from an injury. He’s nowhere near as sore as he was.

“I know lads who have played most of the season with a hernia, so it is possible, and even if he has to go under the knife he’d be fit within two weeks anyway.”

While Wheatley has been injured lately, he has also missed three games due to suspension, so has not completed 90 minutes since August 15.

He did, however, play most of the match and prove his worth when Darlington defeated AFC Telford United 3-0 three weeks ago, and, as on that day, Wright hopes to again pair him in midfield with Tom Elliott.

One player sure to return to the starting XI tomorrow is Dave Syers.

He was not considered able to start last weekend, when Quakers lost 1-0 to Bradford PA, as he had not fully recovered from a thigh strain, but he has taken a full part in training this week.