CRAIG LIDDLE will miss this afternoon's crucial relegation clash at Southend but teammate Matt Clarke isn't too concerned.

Because waiting in the wings is a young man Darlington boss David Hodgson has already dubbed "the next Craig Liddle".

Brian Close made his third start for the club at the weekend, in the absence of Liddle, who is unlikely to recover from a stomach strain in time to play at Roots Hall this afternoon.

And while Quakers, four points clear of the relegation zone after Saturday's win over Mansfield, could do with Liddle's reassuring presence today, Clarke has no qualms about playing alongside Close.

"Lids is an influential player and it is always going to be difficult without him in the team," said Clarke.

"But I thought Closey came in and was outstanding. If Lids isn't ready then we have every belief in Closey doing the job."

It was Clarke's fourth goal of the season - a 49th minute header - which ensured a much needed win.

"The ball went about 20 yards into the air and I didn't really know too much about it," said Clarke.

"I could see Baz (Conlon) edging near me but I got it into my head that it was going to be my ball."

Mansfield remain in the play-off places despite Saturday's defeat, and Clarke admitted: "Apart from Torquay they were one of the best sides we've played this season.

"They're quite quick on the attack but I thought we dealt with it well.

"This just shows what we can do when we play to our best because they're a really good team."

Apart from Liddle, Quakers have no fresh injury worries. Skipper Neil Maddison was substituted on Saturday, but only as a precaution with today's game in mind.

"We've already got our mind set on Southend because it's another massive game," said Clarke.

"There's no point in getting points on Saturday if we're going to throw it away down there."

Southend are six points above the relegation zone after seeing their eight-match unbeaten run brought to an end after Saturday's 1-0 defeat at Huddersfield.