Darlington boss Dave Penney could hand Ryan Valentine and Robin Hulbert a chance to impress in the Carling Cup second-round clash at Watford.Defender Valentine has yet to feature this season following injury and midfielder Hulbert has been limited to just substitute appearances, but Penney could chop and change at Vicarage Road.

Striker Adam Proudlock came through 73 minutes of his side's 2-1 defeat to Gillingham on Saturday despite lacking match fitness following his recovery from injury and looks set to keep his place in the side.

Defender Clayton Fortune continues to be hampered with a shoulder injury which has kept him out of the last three games and could miss out again, while Pawel Abbott (Achilles) is ruled out so youngster Curtis Main may come in to contention.

Franz Burgmeier is set to retain his place in the side following an impressive debut at the weekend after joining from Swiss side Basel last week.

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