CRAIG LIDDLE looks set to hand Darlington boss David Hodgson a major boost by declaring himself fit for Saturday's crunch visit of Oxford.

The influential Quakers defender is currently sidelined with a stomach injury.

However after missing Saturday's win over Mansfield and Monday's defeat at Southend, the 32year-old will make a welcome return to the side this weekend.

The former Middlesbrough man was sorely missed at Roots Hall as Quakers surrendered a two-goal lead to lose 3-2, leaving their survival hopes hanging by a thread.

Hodgson was fuming with his side's catastrophic second half collapse two days ago and the return of Liddle will hand the Quakers boss the perfect tonic with his side just three points clear of the relegation zone with four games left.

"We have another important game against Oxford and we could have been safe, " said Hodgson.

"But we've created our own problems and it is up to the players to get themselves out of it.

"I know what they are capable of but we can't afford to waste anymore time with performances like the one at Southend."

Meanwhile, Coronation Street stars Andy Wyman (Kirk) and Alan Halsall (Tyrone) have confirmed their places for next week's charity match at the Reynolds Arena.

The actors will form a Granada TV XI, which will take on a David Hodgson XI, consisting of ex-professionals, on Sunday, April 28.

The match has been arranged by Darlington fan Paul Hodgson, with all gate receipts being split 50-50 between the Percy Hedley Foundation and Darlington Football Club. An auction has been set up for two supporters to play a part in the game.

All bids must be submitted to Paul Hodgson at the following email address: paul. hodgson1000@ntlworld. com. The closing date for bids is Monday April 19.

The game will kick-off at 1.30pm and tickets are priced £5.