Amos out of Hucknall trip

The versatile defender is in hospital today for an operation on his troublesome knee and will be out for at least a fortnight.

Rangers are also without striker Nick Wellecomme, who is recovering from a groin injury, while midfielder Chris Flynn plays the last game of his short-term deal.

Such absences Brindley can do without ahead of the match at the Blue Square North's bottom side, but he will reward attacker Darryl Profitt for his impact as a sub at Harrogate on Saturday.

The manager probably is not expecting another 35-yard goal, but Proffitt will start - most likely at the expense of Mark Magee alongside David McNiven.

But it is the absence of Amos that is giving Brindley the biggest headache.

He said: "Losing Nick is a blow for us, because he did ever so well on Saturday. He goes into hospital today for an operation on his knee, which is a problem that has been going on all season.

"Because it continues to swell up, he needs to have it sorted once and for all. How long he will be out depends on what they find when they open it up. If there is any damage in there, it will be sorted there and then. If it is a case of cleaning it up, hopefully he will only be out for two weeks.

"All we can do is hope it is nothing serious."

Rangers must be regarded as favourites to win -with 12 points separating the two sides - but Hucknall are fighting for their lives and are not going quietly, as four of the top 10 teams in the Blue Square North can testify.

Alfreton, Tamworth, Stalybridge and Southport have all opposed Brian Chambers' side in 2009 - and none have managed a win.

Brindley said: "I wouldn't say it is a game we are expected to win, although I am sure some people will look it like that. Hucknall have held four tough teams in their last four games, which is great results for them and where they are.

"They will be very tough to break down. Obviously it is a game we are looking to win, but equally if they get beaten by us, they are virtually relegated. The stakes couldn't be much higher for them, which will make our job even harder.

"It is going to be a real tough time, make no mistake about that."