Howells could return for Darlo

The Welsh U21 international missed Town’s 1-1 draw at Stockport County on Friday night with a knee injury that had been aggravated in the 2-2 draw at Hayes & Yeading.

But boss Gary Brabin was confident of having Howells back, and maybe some others, for the visit of physical Quakers.

He said: “It’s been quite frustrating this year in terms of injuries.

“It’s all been non-contact and freak injuries.

“Jake’s stepped up his training and hopefully should be OK for Saturday and we will look at the others in training.”

Centre-half Dean Beckwith, who had been suffering from a virus and missed out last week, should be available for selection after coming through Tuesday’s 1-0 reserve win at Southend United.

New signings Stuart Fleetwood and Collin Samuel will also be in the reckoning, but it could still come too soon for defenders George Pilkington, Shane Blackett and Freddie Murray.

The reserve game also saw long-term injured winger Charlie Henry play 25 minutes, with Brabin saying: “He’s still a long way off. Part of his progress was to have 20 minutes in a match. It was a bit of boost for him but it’s still a long way off.

“Everybody is working hard and I’m trying to involve everybody in terms of minutes.”

Despite the injury problems Town have faced, Brabin had no desire to recall either JJ O’Donnell or Alex Lacey from their loan at Cambridge City.

He said: “I think it’s an important part of their development, it’s fantastic for them. Just in training you can see such a big improvement from playing competitive games.”

The boss is anticipating a tough encounter when Darlington come to Town saying: “I think they are one of the favourites for promotion this year. They made some shrewd signings in the summer. They are a physical side, we know that they are a tough side to beat.

“They will be a wounded animal after the defeat last week (2-0 at home to Mansfield Town) and will want to bounce back.”

Brabin is also wary of former Hatters hitman Liam Hatch, who endured an injury-hit loan spell at Kenilworth Road, adding: “He will be one that wants to come back and prove a point.”