DARLINGTON are today unlikely to include Liam Hatch and Danny Carlton after their eligibility came into question ahead of Saturday’s draw at Chesterfield.

Quakers are at home to third-placed Bury today and manager Dave Penney does not want to risk a points deduction for selecting ineligible players.

Since Darlington went into administration both strikers have featured regularly, Hatch making five appearances and Carlton 11.

But Penney says Quakers were not made aware of the potential problem until Friday.

The pair are on loan until the end of the season, but their wages are being paid by their parent clubs, Carlisle and Peterborough, which is why the Football League have queried the arrangement.

Penney said: “When we first went into administration the short-term loans (Carl Tremarco and Dean Gerken) had to be cancelled.

“But we were under the impression that the long-term loans were OK.

“As far as I’m aware, Peterborough and Carlisle are happy for their players to play for us. If they recalled them they couldn’t play anyway as they are long-term loans.

“As far as I’m aware we are not paying their wages. But I don’t think the Football League are happy with the loan agreement.

“It’s out of my hands really, it’s between the administrator and the Football League.”

It was early on Saturday afternoon that Hatch and Carlton were pulled out of the side at Chesterfield, with the manager unsure what fate awaied them.

He explained: “On Friday we got a call to say there might be a problem, and that if we played them we might end up getting a fine or something else.

“I was on the phone all day to the administrators to find out what the craic was. There was still a bit of uncertainty whether to play them or not, but we made the decision not to, just in case.

“The Football League will look at it in the middle of the week. We might have them back for the last three games or we might not.”

While a question mark remains over Hatch and Carlton, Josh Gray is likely to be out for the season after being injured during his fiveminute cameo.

He suffered a recurrence of a hamstring strain that has sidelined him in recent weeks and Penney said: “We’re going to have to take a look at our rehab on hamstrings because we are having a problem with them and Josh is probably out for the season now.”

Neil Austin is also out with his second hamstring strain in just over a month, while Adam Griffin is doubtful today but Rob Purdie is hoping to be involved.