PLAYER-BOSS Chris Lightfoot remains confident former Republic of Ireland U21 international Kieron Durkan will be fit for Runcorn's Conference North opener against Redditch United.

The Linnets new hometown signing, from Weston Point, went off in Tuesday's defeat by Northwich Victoria with a recurrence of his hamstring problem after missing the previous two warm-up games.

Lightfoot said after the Vics match: 'Kizza played against Caernarfon and complained his hamstring was a bit tight. It's the same one tonight and I didn't want to take any chances and dragged him off straight away.

'We don't start for almost three weeks so hopefully, he will get it right in that time.'

Lightfoot said: 'Everyone else came through OK, although there will be a few sore bodies tomorrow I expect.

'They were on top for the first 10 or 15 minutes but after that, we got into the game and dominated.'

It would not be a surprise if the starting 11 against Northwich were asked to take first guard at home to Redditch on August 14.

Centre back Peter Ellis was absent in midweek while 6ft 4in central defender John Robertson, who has been brought in from Lancaster City, hasn't featured - he is on honeymoon.

'I think his first game will be against Rhyl (away on August 7),' said Lightfoot.

'But he has done a lot of pre-season and works in a gym. He is naturally-fit and I don't think it will be long before he gets back into the swing.

'At the moment, Nessy (David Ness) and Tom Spearritt in the games they have played together have done well. They are both pretty quick, decent in the air and have good distribution.'

Lightfoot remains keen to sign utility man Matt Smith (ex-Leicester) and former Hednesford player Carl Brown, who is versatile on the left.

'It's subject to what they want,' said the Linnets boss. 'I'd also like to sign Lee Prior, who has been playing right wing-back because he has been excellent.

'I don't want to be over-loaded with players but at the same time, don't want to be left short.

'There is going to be plenty of competition for places and that's what it's all about.

'I am hoping to have at least 20 signed on and there are going to be lads who aren't happy but it's up to me to keep them all sweet.'

Lightfoot is 'struggling' with his own fitness but is not short of forward options.

'I am struggling with my ankles. I did a few sessions early pre-season and couldn't move the next day. I am hoping to start training again next week,' he added.

'But I have two centre forwards in Lee Kissock and Carl Rendell on the bench and both are itching for a game.'