DEFENDER Joey Hutchinson has been told he will be fit to play a part in Darlington's crucial promotion run-in.

That was the opinion of club physio Paul Gough last night as Hutchinson was pencilled in for a March return.

There were fears the highly-rated 22-year-old would miss the rest of the season with cruciate ligament damage, sustained in Quakers' 1-1 draw at Rochdale in September. However, Gough revealed the Teessider is recovering ahead of schedule.

Quakers moved up to sixth in League Two after the Bank Holiday Monday win over Macclesfield and Hutchinson's anticipated return will provide manager David Hodgson with a timely boost.

Hutchinson will step up his fitness work with a visit to the National Sports Centre in Lilleshall.

"Joey is making very good progress, he's started running this week and doing very well," said Gough. "It will be another 5-6 weeks before he can train fully, but he should be available for selection at the back end of March."

Hutchinson is out of contract at the end of the season and Hodgson will be hopeful of persuading him to remain in the North-East. However, Hutchinson is likely to consider all options, especially with his wife and daughter based in Birmingham.

Defensive partner Craig Liddle is making good progress after undergoing a double hernia operation last month, Gough confirmed.

"Craig is doing a lot of work in the gym and should be available in three weeks," said Gough.

Alun Armstrong (groin), Curtis Fleming (dead leg), Neil Wainwright (shoulder) and Craig Hignett (virus) are all available for Saturday's visit of Oxford United.

Midfielder Stephen Thomas has resumed full training following a hernia, but lacking match practice, will not feature in tomorrow's squad.

Defender David McGurk is due to return next week after a knee injury.

Fans are being urged to bring their own flags to the game tomorrow. Hodgson believes the idea, which has proved popular at other clubs, will build up the atmosphere provide extra encouragement for the players.

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