By Helen Thompson

Last updated at 11:15, Saturday, 27 December 2008

Workington Town stars will be out to impress in tomorrow’s big derby clash at Whitehaven – and earn a prized starting squad number for 2009.

Coach Dave Rotheram is set to announce his squad for the up and coming season at the start of January, so this is the last game for players to shine and earn their coveted number.

“We haven’t given our squad numbers out yet and a lot of the players want to get the top 13 jerseys so this match is a chance for them to stake their claim,” said Rotheram.

“Some of the players have showed up well in training but this is the last match before we name the numbers in the new year.”

Rotheram has had to rejig his side for the derby encounter at the Recreation Ground, following the departure of Michael Watton, due to visa requirements.

Jay Duffy will move to stand-off for this match and Robert Scott and Neil Frazer will share the full-back duties – but this is not a situation Rotheram wants to continue.

“Jay will play this game at six but I definitely see him as a full-back and not a half-back,” said Rotheram.

“This is just to cover a short term emergency but I am not going to make him play there permanently. I do want somebody else in.

“Robert Scott and Neil Frazer will probably cover the full-back role alternating through the match.”

New signing Mike Whitehead, who spent time at Haven, and Jason Mossop are both still doubtful for the clash with injuries and Jack Pedley is still serving a ban.

But other than that, Rotheram has a fit squad to choose from and is hopeful about their chances.

“If all our individuals play well then the team will perform. We are targeting a good performance and hopefully a good result,” added Rotheram.

James Robinson has been singled out for praise by his coach for all his hard work in pre-season and says he is in peak fitness ahead of Sunday’s game, ko 3pm.

“James has been outstanding at training, I would single him out as our best trainer in the off season,” said a delighted Rotheram.

“He was in and out of the team at the start of last season but he became a regular as the year went on.

“This year he was worked really hard between the end of the season and the beginning of pre-season and come back fitter than ever.

“Hopefully he can now show that on the field as well.”

First published at 09:02, Saturday, 27 December 2008
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk