Darlington FC still tops Liddle's list of priorities

Five months after selflessly handing the captain's armband over to Neil Maddison, the centre-back's no-nonsense approach shows few signs of wavering.

It was in November that manager David Hodgson sparked a barrage of complaints from angry fans when he relieved Liddle of his skipper's duties.

But with off-the-field problems to contend with, Hodgson felt the weight of responsibility would sit better on someone else's shoulders.

And where others may have put football to one side, Liddle refused compassionate leave in order to fight Quakers' cause.

Indeed, the only obstacle which has threatened to get in the 32-year-old's way this season has been injury.

Liddle has been sidelined for Quakers' last two games with a stomach strain.

But the former Middlesbrough defender will defy doctor's orders to play in this afternoon's crucial Third Division clash with Oxford at the Reynolds Arena, having already postponed a knee operation until the end of the season.

Liddle's presence was sorely missed as Quakers surrendered a two-goal lead to lose 3-2 at Southend on Bank Holiday Monday.

And Hodgson said: "Craig Liddle has said he will play and he will get through the game.

"It gives us a massive psychological boost and with no disrespect to the other lads, we could have done with him down at Southend."

And Hodgson explained the measure of Liddle's influence in the team.

"He is that important he is the only player I would give a two-year contract to," said Hodgson.

And with Liddle due to make his 300th appearance for the club against Swansea in a fortnight's time, Hodgson paid tribute to the fans' favourite.

"He's been a great servant to Darlington Football Club," said Hodgson.

"It took some persuading to bring him to the club but he's never looked back since."

Liddle is one of three players with a wealth of experience who Hodgson believes can inspire the rest of his squad to victory this afternoon.

"I expect the likes of Barry Conlon, Neil Maddison and Liddle to make their feelings known in the dressing room," said Hodgson.

"I want them to talk about football, winning games and achieving success.

"They have enough experience in the game and that is something which will work in our favour."

Skipper Maddison, linked with a move to Oxford last summer, will be fit to face the Us after shaking off a knee injury.

Striker Craig Russell faces a late fitness test after sustaining a groin injury for the reserves in midweek.

With four games to go Quakers are just three points clear of the relegation zone.

And after handing his side a dressing down following their calamitous display at Southend where they surrendered a two-goal lead to lose 3-2, Hodgson is seeking a positive response today.

"I made a point of telling them after the game on Monday that these next five days are crucial," said Hodgson. "I wanted them to understand the importance of the situation we're in.

"The teams with strong characters will pull through and we have to make sure we're one of them.

"The players must understand that when they step onto the pitch, they step out in the right frame of mind."

And against an Oxford side, whose promotion aspirations have suffered a major slump since boss Ian Atkins was suspended by the club last month, Quakers may not have a better chance of pulling clear of the relegation mire.

"If we take three points from Saturday then one more should be sufficient," said Hodgson.

"If we beat Oxford that would mean all of the sides below us would probably have to win the last three, which would be a tall order."

Former Chelsea and Portsmouth manager Graham Rix was installed as Oxford boss last month after Us chairman Firoz Kassam took action against Atkins, after the manager publicly stated his interest in taking over the managerial reins at Third Division rivals, Bristol Rovers.

Under Rix, Oxford have failed to win in their last five games and lie one place outside the play-offs.

Read more about the Quakers here.