Defensive dilemna for Hull derby

Last updated : 12 December 2003 By Luke Thornhill
Fitness doubt
Jacko missed Tuesday night's LDV Vans Trophy win over Bury with an ankle injury, and United could line up with an inexperienced back line.

Laws was contemplating bringing in a loan defender if Jackson does not recover in time, but with Cliff Byrne serving a one-match United could lineup with Jamie McCombe alongside Andy Butler in the centre of defence with Wayne Graves drafted in as an emergency right-back.

Midfielder Terry Barwick limped out of Tuesday night's game at Bury but is predicted to be fit to keep his place in the starting lineup.

Laws said: "Going into a local derby without Cliff Byrne and possibly Mark Jackson would be a big blow but Terry Barwick would have to have his ankle amputated before he missed this game.

"One thing is for sure the players feel very confident going into this game and they have every reason to having gone 12 games undefeated."

The visiting Mudrats are likley to be unchanged from the side which arrested their drop in form last weekend.

That would mean Paul Musselwhite lines up in goal against his former club, while Andy Dawson will play his first game at Glanford Park since his controversial switch across the river in the summer.

Former Iron forward Jamie Forrester is a long-term injury casualty and will miss the game.

Laws added: "I'm hoping Andy Dawson will get the right reception, he has been a fantastic servant to the club and was very good to work with.

"The only disappointing thing was that he went to Hull City who are our local rivals, but I can see his point of view financially. I will be looking forward to seeing him and I hope the supporters give him the appreciation he deserves."