LEE CLARK is running fitness checks on Tamas Kadar as Town prepare for tomorrow’s Johnstone’s Paint Trophy Northern final first leg at Carlisle.
The Hungarian left-back on loan from Newcastle was forced off 40 minutes into Saturday’s 4-2 win at Walsall by a hamstring problem.
“There was tightness and we needed to get him off as quickly as possible to stop it developing into something longer term,” explained the manager.
Liam Ridehalgh replaced Kadar, who was making his second start for the Galpharm club, as Town leapfrogged Southampton to go second. Saints were held goalless at home to Notts County, while Carlisle are 14th after a 4-0 home win over Bristol Rovers.
Former Town midfielder James Berrett netted two penalties for the Cumbrians, who also had Craig Curran and Liam Cooper on target.
It will be Town’s third appearance at this stage of the competition after beating Carlisle 4-3 on aggregate in 1993-94 and losing 4-3 over two legs to Blackpool in 2001-02.
Brentford and Exeter contest the Southern final, starting at Griffin Park tonight, with the two winners meeting at Wembley on Sunday, April 3.
Tyne and Wear official Eddie Ilderton will be in charge at Carlisle, where Clark’s men drew 2-2 in a League I match on New Year’s Day.
It’s Town’s third visit to the venue this season after top scorer Jordan Rhodes’ late goal earned a 1-0 Carling Cup first-round victory in August.
Town verdict – see Final Whistle
