NATHAN CLARKE leads Town's bid for a sixth straight win at Lincoln tomorrow buoyed by his selection in the Nationwide Third Division team of the week.

Manager Peter Jackson says the news has given Town a big boost ahead of an expected physical duel at Sincil Bank (3.00), where David Mirfin, Nat Brown and Martyn Booty are added to the squad.

The starting line-up remains closely under wraps as Town are without suspended duo Jon Stead and Ian Hughes - who returned to full training yesterday after hamstring trouble - but Clarke is confirmed alongside experienced Efe Sodje (31) and Steve Yates (33) in the back three.

"Nathan has come back fit and strong and he thoroughly deserves his selection in the team of the week; it's a massive boost to the whole squad," said Jackson, who revealed Town have paid-up and settled the contract of injured striker Paul Macari (back).

"Nathan can only benefit from playing alongside the likes of Sodje and Yates because they are terrific players to learn from with the way they talk and commit and go about their business.

"They all did a lot of heading work in training yesterday and they will be tested again in that department by Lincoln, who've got at least five 6ft-plus players in their starting line-up."

Clarke was selected by PFA representatives who mark at every match for the Press Association. Brian Kilcline is the regular rep at the McAlpine.

Lincoln have gone nine games unbeaten under Keith Alexander and have notched 3-1 wins this week against Scunthorpe and Telford (LDV Vans Trophy) to sit one place below Town in the current divisional form table.

"This is a big game for us, but if the team can match the passion and desire of the fans who are going down there then we won't go far wrong," added Jackson, whose team are in the LDV second round draw at 10.30am tomorrow (live on Sky TV's Soccer AM show).

"We are determined to try and keep another clean sheet, but we also know we will create plenty of chances in the game and we'll be going all out for the win."

It's Town's first League visit to Lincoln in 21 years and the match is all-ticket for visiting fans, who have already bought over 1,500.

Seats (down the side of the ground) are available from the McAlpine ticket office until 5pm today, when the remaining 300 were on sale. If any are left, the ticket office will be open from 9am to 11am tomorrow.

"It's another fantastic following for us," said the manager, who has midfield duo Jon Worthington and Lee Fowler on four yellows.

Town Juniors, who play Grimsby in the FA Youth Cup at the McAlpine on Wednesday (7.00), play Newcastle at Emley's Welfare Ground tomorrow (noon) in the Academy Premier League.

Lincoln City - (from): Marriott, Bailey, Mayo, Weaver, Morgan, Futcher, Liburd, Butcher, Richardson, Green, Fletcher, Wattley, Cropper, Bloomer, Sedgemore, Willis, Frecklington, Yeo, Horrigan.

Town - (from): Gray, Holdsworth, Yates, Sodje, Clarke, Carss, Fowler, Worthington, Schofield, Booth, Scott, Holland, Mattis, Newby, Senior, Mirfin, Brown, Booty.

Referee - Alan Butler (Nottingham)

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