Workington Town head coach Chris Thorman is sweating on the availability of a number of players ahead of his side’s crucial League 1 play-offs semi-final game at Newcastle Thunder tomorrow (4pm kick-off).

Town were due to train on Thursday night where Thorman hoped to get a better idea of who he will have at his disposal this weekend, but he admitted he could be without impressive loanee Dec O’Donnell.

O’Donnell, who has been at Town on loan from Leigh but agreed a permanent move last week to Derwent Park for next season, was withdrawn from last Sunday’s play-offs eliminator game at Hunslet after suffering a neck injury midway through the first half, necessitating a precautionary visit to hospital.

“Dec’s got to follow through the head-knock protocol and he’s still feeling some symptoms,” Thorman said.

“We’ve got a few injuries, to be honest, but I’ll have a better idea after training.

“It’s been a long old year and the squad is too small, which I’ve said for a while but we’ll just get on with it.”

Thorman also revealed Tom Curwen had picked up a knock, while Danny Tickle is believed to have been handed a one-match suspension but the club is seeking clarification on that.

Town put in a battling performance to come from behind at half time against Hunslet and nil their opponents in the second half to earn victory and progression.

With a test which could be even tougher this weekend, Thorman is hoping to see his side show the same quality and heart to avenge their defeat at Kingston Park during the regular season.

“Newcastle will probably be disappointed with their display against Doncaster last weekend but I’m expecting a pretty good performance from them, being at home,” Thorman added.

“We are in form, but does that count for anything at this stage of the season? I’m not so sure.

“It’s play-offs, it’s knockout and we know we need to perform.

“It probably did leave a bit of a sour taste in our mouths, that result at Newcastle.”

Thorman hopes to see a similar completion rate to last Sunday’s win against Hunslet and has no doubt that his players will give everything in pursuit of the win.

He said: “It’s not always perfect but what you have been able to hang your hat on, for the majority of the time I’ve been here, is that the lads will turn up, fight for each other.”