By John walsh

Last updated at 12:04, Tuesday, 28 July 2009

SKIPPER Tony Hopper will be back to lead Workington Reds in tonight’s friendly at Borough Park against Cumbrian neighbours Barrow.

Knee injury: Reds’ skipper Tony Hopper, right, was replaced at half-time at Fleetwood

Hopper was missing on Saturday when Reds lost 2-1 in their home clash with Barrow’s Blue Square Premier rivals, Gateshead.

Likely to be a key figure for the Reds in their campaign ahead, Hopper could feature in a revised midfield formation.

Manager Darren Edmondson is toying with the idea of keeping a back four but playing five in midfield behind a lone striker.

“It’s something we are going to talk about, through necessity really. Jonny Wright is away through work and Gareth Arnison is on holiday.

“We will probably play Dan Shannon up-top on his own and look for players to get forward and support,” said Edmondson.

Wright had to come-off before half-time in Saturday’s home clash with Gateshead after picking-up a calf strain. He believes that is fine now and would have been able to play tonight if he hadn’t been working.

“As far as the squad is concerned it’s just about a straight swap with Jonny out and Tony in, but we will also have goalkeeper Aaran Taylor back and he will get half a game with Tony Caig,” said Edmondson.

That means Workington fans won’t have had the opportunity to take a look at new signing Stephen Hindmarch, the former Carlisle United and Shrewsbury Town winger.

Hindmarch picked-up a groin injury playing beach football while on holiday and is still receiving treatment.

Full-back Gari Rowntree is another absentee, as he’s away on holiday.

Edmondson expects to hear confirmation at tonight’s game that Shaun Vipond is ready to commit himself for the 2009/10 season.

The former Carlisle United midfielder had other options to consider but had more talks with Edmondson on Saturday and a decision is expected tonight. Edmondson says he remains hopeful.

Workington have one more friendly to play after tonight’s game with Barrow – a trip to Tow Law on Saturday – ahead of the Blue Square North opener at home to Hinckley on August 8.

Barrow striker Jason Walker has been on trial with Doncaster Rovers since impressing against them in a friendly.

Now Doncaster want him to stay for a further 10 days as they continue to run the rule over him.

The Holker Street side lost 2-1 at home to a Wigan Athletic side on Saturday.

First published at 11:28, Tuesday, 28 July 2009
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk