ONE of the plus points from having their game with Northampton Town fall victim to the weather is that it allowed some of Steve Staunton’s injured players another week to rehabilitate.

Despite the best efforts of staff and supporters who cleared the pitch of snow on Friday afternoon, the freezing overnight temperatures put paid to the encounter with Ian Sampson’s fellow strugglers.

But Noel Whelan will have welcomed the extended lay-off from League Two action.

The 34-year-old had an injection last week to help relieve tension in his hamstrings and Staunton is hopeful the former Middlesbrough target man can make a return to first team action over the festive period.

The Darlington manager has bemoaned the lack of leaders in his squad and the absence of senior figures who can galvanise Quakers’ inexperienced squad has been one of the recurring problems this season.

Staunton said:“Noel is making great progress. He’s not been allowed to train the last two days because he and Gary Smith have been getting injections that stabilise the joints.

“It’s very technical and it should help realign Noel’s lower back which will take pressure off the hamstring and strengthen ligaments in his hamstrings.

“He will be a big addition both on and off the field.”

Staunton added: “You look for leaders but it’s difficult and everybody’s confidence is low.

The only way out is by working harder. There is no magic formula from working at the top level to a Sunday League team.”

Steve Foster’s experience could again be called on in the upcoming games at Rotherham and at home to Lincoln City.

Asked if, despite Foster’s ongoing contract dispute, the veteran could play every game from the subs bench, Staunton replied: “He has no choice. He is still contracted to us. I can’t fault Fossie’s attitude since he was left out and if we need him to come off the bench and add his experience then I’m sure he is up for that.

“He is a very good pro and I have no issue with him playing.”