Competition for places is hotting up at Derwent Park as Workington Town boss Dave Clark welcomes back players.

Clark is delighted to be getting some bodies back off the injury list and says it only bodes well for the team’s aspirations of staying in the top eight of League One.

Town moved up to fifth after the weekend’s victory over South Wales Ironmen as the pack chase long-time leaders Toronto Wolfpack and Barrow Raiders, who go head-to-head this weekend in Canada.

But, this Sunday, Workington head to Hunslet where they will be expecting a tougher test against a side from the traditional heartlands of the game.

“Phil Joseph should be back,” said Clark. “He trained with us last Thursday to see how his knee reacted and he had a good, tough session against Seaton which is always good for us.

“So we are hoping that he will play and the good thing for me is that we have pressure on positions now.

“John Patrick came in and did a good job for us, playing out of position.

“It is just good to have players coming back at this time instead of players going out.”

Despite their narrow 24-22 defeat at the hands of Oxford at the weekend, Clark knows Hunslet will be a test of where Town currently stand.

He was happy with the side’s defensive play against the Ironmen but admitted they would have to up their game again against James Coyles’ side.

“Hunslet are like us, trying to get into that top eight and they have been competing really well,” he added.

“This will be a big challenge for us so we will look at the video of the South Wales game and see what we can improve on for this game.

“We know we will need a better game to compete against Hunslet.”