Source: Northern_Echo
Madden clear to make debut
STEVE STAUNTON has explained how new signing Simon Madden was unable to make his Darlington debut during Tuesday's win at Rotherham because of suspension.[LNB] Madden arrived last week, but the former Shamrock Rovers right-back had a ban hanging over him from the end of last season in Ireland.[LNB] The League of Ireland runs from March until November, and had the 21-year-old's ban not been pointed out, it could have proven costly for Quakers.[LNB] He was suspended but luckily we found out just in time, said Staunton, who gave five new players their first action at Rotherham, He picked up one too many bookings in Ireland, but they weren't in their firstteam.[LNB] He got them in the under-21s team and they carried over.[LNB] We found out just in time on Tuesday but it's nobody's fault, he didn't even realise he was suspended, because he only got booked once in a first-team match.[LNB] But he's now available for selection.[LNB] Madden comes into the reckoning for tomorrow's trip to Crewe Alexandra, though Paul Arnison could consider himself unfortunate were he to make way.[LNB] He performed well on Tuesday in his first appearance since October.[LNB] Staunton is continuing his hunt for an experienced goalkeeper but no deal is imminent.[LNB] That means Nick Liversedge is likely to remain between the sticks for what will be Quakers' first league visit to Crewe since 1993.[LNB] Dario Gradi's side will be missing injured midfielders James Bailey and Joel Grant, but 14-goal striker Calvin Zola is ready to return after overcoming an eye injury.[LNB] He's a massive threat and is as good a centre-forward as there is in this division, said Staunton, who added that Quakers have no new injury concerns aside from longterm absentees Chris Lumsdon and Mark Bower.[LNB] Only Quakers and secondbottom Grimsby have lost more games on home soil in League Two than Crewe, who have lost six at Gresty Road.[LNB] But Staunton added: I don't think our away record is the best so I'm not looking at any other records as we're in no position to question anyone else's.[LNB] There still some places available on the Darlington Supporters Club coach travelling to Crewe. To book a place, which costs £18 and leaves from Park Place at 10am, call (01325) 243911.[LNB]
