DARLINGTON skipper Craig Liddle will not be taking his place in the team for granted when he returns from injury next month.

The influential defender has admitted Quakers' recent form in League Two will make it difficult for him to break back into manager David Hodgson's first-team plans in the new year.

Liddle has missed Quakers' last three games with a troublesome stomach problem, but after undergoing a double hernia operation in Manchester yesterday, the 34-year-old has been pencilled in for a January return.

"When the lads are doing so well you just want to be a part of it," said Liddle.

"It's been a nightmare having to sit and watch from the stands.

"It's going to be tough getting back in when you look at how well the team is playing. I'm sure I will have to wait for my opportunity when I am fully fit."

Liddle's injury stems back as far as April this year when he sustained a strain at Boston United.

After recovering from knee and shoulder injuries during the summer, Liddle was taking a series of injections this season, before he was advised to go under the surgeon's knife.

Indeed, Liddle was in safe hands yesterday, under Dr McClennan, who also treats Manchester United's star-studded squad.

"The operation went really well so I should be back quicker than we first thought," said Liddle. "There were fears I could be out for three months so I'm probably the only person who has been quite relieved to have a double hernia.

"The surgeon seems quite pleased with the way it has went so I'm hoping to be back in four weeks. It all depends on how well it heals, but it will be no longer than six weeks."

Liddle sat by a radio on Saturday as Quakers' three-match winning streak came to an end at Boston United.

However, Liddle is confident his team-mates can return to winning ways in what he feels is a crucial period for the club and its promotion aspirations.

"I don't like listening to the games on the radio but I've got to put myself through it," said Liddle. "By all accounts the lads did well and it was just one of those games where it wouldn't go in for us.

"We've got some tough games coming up, which I think will map the season out."

* Walsall player-manager Paul Merson has secured the services of striker Herivelto, who has returned to the Bescot after an absence of almost two years.

The 29-year-old Brazilian, who scored six goals in 33 appearances for the Saddlers before joining Greek side Ionikos in January 2003, has joined the Saddlers until the end of the season.

* Kidderminster manager Stuart Watkiss plans to report referee Darren Drysdale to the Football Association over accusations the official swore at his players.

Dean Keates and Chris Beardsley both claimed Drysdale had directed foul and abusive language towards them during the clash with Cheltenham at the weekend.

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