Stuart Ripley was today hoping to prove his fitness for tomorrow's re-match with Liverpool to give manager Dave Jones a clean bill of health.

Apart from the club's long-term casualties, Ripley is the only doubt after being forced off at half-time against Leicester last week with a recurrence of a groin problem.

Otherwise Jones has a full squad to pick from after Matthew Oakley, Hassan Kachloul and Jason Dodd all shook off knocks in time to train yesterday.

The in-form Oakley looked sharp and lively in a practice match after manipulation on a back injury while Hassan Kachloul and Jason Dodd have recovered from groin and knee problems respectively.

Jones said: "Provided there is no reaction ahead of the game, they will all be OK but Stuart is doubtful at the moment."

Oakley's return will present Jones with a selection dilemma in the centre of midfield.

He can choose from Mark Hughes who has been in outstanding form all season, Trond Solvedt who scored the winner against Liverpool last week, Chris Marsden who was the team's best performer at Leicester and Oakley who has been on fire in recent weeks.

Added to that equation are Matthew Le Tissier who is looking for his 100th Premiership goal, Luis Boa Morte back from a hamstring and possibly Ripley who is enjoying his most productive spell since arriving at the club.

If the winger comes through Jones could move Boa Morte or Le Tissier up front but that would squeeze out Kevin Davies and James Beattie.

Jones said: "It is not a headache - I prefer to think of it as having plenty of options. We have a good range of players to pick from.

"It is just that at the moment there are some not playing to their full potential. We have the odd dozy spell and it seems to cost us dearly every time.

"We are trying to correct that but there is not a lot of money so we will need to wheel and deal and perhaps let some go to get others in."

See saturday's Pink for full match reports from all our local clubs.

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