THERE was mixed news for Durham on the fitness front yesterday, with Marcus North and Liam Plunkett making progress while Paul Collingwood had a scan on his swollen knee.

North's groin will be tested this afternoon in the hope that he can return in tonight's Twenty20 Cup tie against Derbyshire at Riverside.

But Collingwood is to have a second scan as there is now some concern that the knee could be damaged rather than merely bruised. He is now doubtful for Thursday's Twenty20 sell-out against Yorkshire.

Plunkett, who has had shin and back injuries, was much happier with his bowling for the A team in yesterday's Second X1 Trophy tie against Derbyshire at Norton.

He will also play in the three-day match against Lancashire starting at South Northumberland tomorrow, with coach Martyn Moxon saying: "He has been out for a long time and needs some overs under his belt."

If North is fit he will take over from Ian Pattison in the only change for tonight's match, in which the losers will be out of contention for a place in the quarter-finals.

After losing their first two games, Derbyshire beat previously unbeaten Nottinghamshire on Friday to keep the nothern group wide open. Australian Jon Moss scored 68 in that game.

Durham have struggled against spin bowling in their last two matches, and this is an area in which Derbyshire are not particularly strong, although left-armer Ant Botha removed Nottinghamshire danger men Kevin Pietersen and David Hussey.

Zimababwean Andy Blignaut is due into Newcastle Airport at 10pm on Wednesday and is expected to make his Durham debut against Yorkshire.

He is staying for a month, but Durham are still awaiting confirmation from the Australian board that their target for the final month is available.

It is believed to be paceman Shaun Tait, who was in the squad for the two-Test series against Sri Lanka which ends tomorrow.

He didn't get into the team and is not expected to be required for the ICC Champions Trophy in September. Tait was wanted earlier in the season by Glamorgan, but the Australian board would not release him at the time.

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