ANDY Langford is likely to join a select group of players later today.

The Manchester-based defender will become the only ever-present in the Workington Reds squad if he starts this afternoon against Stafford.

In recent years the ever-presents who stands-out have been goalkeeper Adam Collin, now with Carlisle United and popular defender Alan Gray while current centre-half Kyle May, still a rock in the Workington defence, has usually just missed-out because of suspensions ora broken nose!

This year goalkeeper Tony Caig, Collin’s successor between the posts, was on course for a ‘full house’ until last Monday when manager Darren Edmondson decided to give the patient Aaran Taylor a run-out.

Versatile ‘Langy’ has played mainly at right back, but he has also operated at left-back and is currently filling-in for the injured Lee Andrews alongside May at the heart of the Workington defence.

“I started off as a centre-half but as I was the smallest in defence they moved me to right-back,” says Langford.

Being an ever-present without a goal, however, can present problems – a £20 fine or forfeiting a crop of hair – a fate avoided at Hyde by Gari Rowntree when he lashed in the opening goal.

Langford will be looking for a goal today to save his cash or his hair so if Workington are awarded a penalty don’t be surprised if a certain defender is bursting a gut to try and take it!

Edmondson is likely to keep any players back who are not completely 100% fit which means Lee Andrews (calf), Jonny Wright (ankle) and Gareth Arnison ankle) are unlikely to be risked with Wednesday’s play-off semi-final first leg looming large.

Ex-Carlisle youngsters Conor Tinnion and Jonny Blake are available again. They were at Warwick on Monday attending a Glenn Hoddle Academy session but will be available this afternoon.

Edmo said: “Naturally we will be looking for a fully-fit squad for Wednesday night against Alfreton so we won’t be taking risks with anybody today.

“That isn’t to say we will be taking Stafford for granted, We want the three points to keep our run going.”

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