New signing Will Atkinson will be included in Mansfield's squad for the derby clash against fellow strugglers Lincoln in League Two on Tuesday.But manager Billy Dearden is expected to name an unchanged starting XI at Sincil Bank.

Versatile midfielder Atkinson, who can play on either the left or right-hand side, has joined the Stags on a month's loan from Hull.

Dearden, who watched his side perform admirably in losing 2-0 at home to Middlesbrough in the FA Cup at the weekend, said: "He will certainly be in the 16-man squad, but we will have to see if he starts because the lads were superb on Saturday."

Defenders Martin McIntosh and Alex John-Baptiste remain sidelined with the respective calf and back problems that have kept them out since December.

Dearden is hopeful of signing one more player before Thursday's transfer deadline.

He said: "We have two more irons in the fire. It won't happen before the derby game at Lincoln, but I am hopeful that another player will join us before the Brentford game (at the weekend)."

More Football News from TEAMtalk