SIXTEEN-year-old Harry Atkinson could be in line for a dramatic FA Trophy debut in tomorrow’s replay at home to Droylsden (7.45pm ko).

Workington Reds have a potential injury crisis at centre-back and manager Danny Grainger is considering the teenager for a starting role.

Atkinson was an unused substitute in Saturday’s 1-1 draw when former Reds defender Andy Langford headed the Droylsden equaliser.

Reds’ stalwart Gari Rowntree went down with a hamstring injury a minute from the end and had to be helped from the field with four minutes of added time still to come.

Because it was so late in the game the experienced Grainger went on himself and helped his side through to the end to set-up tomorrow night’s replay.

Grainger said: “Gari looks as though he could be out for a while.

“And I’m not sure whether Sam Smith will be ready to return by Tuesday.

“We haven’t many central defenders in the squad and I will definitely be prepared to put Harry in if need be.”

Atkinson has played in two senior matches so far - the Integro League Cup win over Kendal Town and the County Cup victory over Moor Row - and adapted well.

Grainger had played in that County Cup success on Tuesday and hadn’t intended to be involved at Droylsden but Reds were forced into a late change on the bench.

Brad Carroll, recovering from injury, had trained on Thursday and was considered fit enough for a role on the bench but that had to be re-thought in the hour before kick-off which is why Grainger took over the No12 shirt.

Reds could have named seven substitutes in the FA Trophy competition but only had five, including Grainger and second keeper Alex Mitchell.

Nathan Waterston was unable to travel to Droylsdon after suffering a shin injury during the County Cup game in which he scored his second hat-trick of the season.

Dave Symington was also an absentee because he was attending a wedding.

“Probably over the 90 minutes a draw was a fair result,” added Grainger.

“So I hope we can finish the job at Borough Park on Tuesday.

“We scored a very good goal, which was nicely created, and had other chances.

“Their goal came from a really good header at a corner where we are not blessed with six feet plus defenders to deal with an aerial threat.”