TOP Huddersfield prop Jim Howard is on the verge of a return to North I action.

The rugged front-rower has not played this term after straining ankle ligaments in pre-season.

But he has been named in tomorrow's squad to travel to Birkenhead Park (2.30) as Huddersfield look to build on their stunning victory over leaders Caldy in their last League outing three weeks ago.

Also named in the travelling party is Hamish Pratt, who spent Christmas back home in his native New Zealand.

Player-coach Mark Sowerby is obviously delighted he has two players of such experience available to him once again.

But, at the same time, he's aware he now faces a major selection headache.

"I was absolutely delighted with the way everyone played in the game against Caldy," said Sowerby.

"And fielding the same side is clearly a strong option. We want to build on that momentum.

"But the return of Hamish and Jim has made it a very difficult time for me - although obviously for the right reasons!

"Both are players who are good enough to feature in the first team, but they still have to earn the right to be included like everyone else.

"They are both likely to start on the bench, and it will be up to them to prove they should start the games in the weeks ahead when they are introduced."

Pratt has already proved his worth with some top displays at the start of the season.

Howard, on the other hand, has yet to stamp his mark on the campaign, although Sowerby knows he won't let anyone down when he gets his chance.

"It'll be like welcoming a new signing when Jim returns," added the club's director of rugby, who can also include another prop in Neil Pollock following a bout of blood poisoning.

"And he would be a quality signing at that.

"Jim's big and strong and would probably have been our first-choice prop had he started the season.

"But he's back now and we're looking forward to seeing him continue to take us forward.

"That win over Caldy before Christmas has given everyone a massive lift in confidence and we can't wait to visit Birkenhead.

"Everyone now knows we are capable of beating any side in the competition, and we need to keep on proving that.

"This month could be crucial for us. The top teams are playing each other in January, and if we keep on picking up the wins we could be right in the mix in the final months of the season.

"And with players of the calibre of Jim and Hamish back on board, we're definitely looking in a very healthy position."

Huddersfield: Metcalfe, Shaw, Paxman, (B), Paxman (L), Taylor, Johnson, Clayton, McPhail, Gough, Stringwell, Barnard, Hinchliff, Jones, Whitehead, Sowerby. Subs: Pratt, Pollock, Wickett.

Falcons (v Wharfedale, h, 2.15, meet 1.00): Swift, Grimes, Cater, Prescott, O'Toole, Ainsworth, Rothery, Thorpe, Davies, Smith, Baxter, Bodsworth, Shiel, Rotchell, Sharrock. Subs: Doyne, Shaw, Nield (T), Wilson, Davies (T).

Extra C (v Aireborough, a, 2.15, meet 12.00): Giblin, Pickering, Ward, Taylor, Ellis, Skyes, Ledgard, Hinchliff, Foster-McBride, Fort, Kenyon (S), Ibbotson, Thornes, Finn, Baggs. Subs: Marshall, Sharratt, Kenyon (W), Carter, Tallboys.

Academy (v Hull Ionions, h, 12.00, meet 10.30): Scrimshaw, Brooke, Cox, Cornelius, Watson, Booth, Brook, Dearman, Joyce, Slater, Harris, Rowan, Quarmby (J), Smith, Quarmby (S). Subs: Morgan, Thorpe, Calverley, Ervine, Davies (J), Nield (T).