Conlon set for Quakers return in cup.

Byline: Andrew Wilkinson And Barry King

Darlington defender Craig Liddle is looking forward to locking horns with former team-mate Barry Conlon in the first round of the Carling Cup.

Quakers were today handed a home tie with League One side Barnsley (on the week beginning August 23), the club Conlon has just joined after three years with Darlington.

"Baz was brilliant for us and I'm sure that our fans will give him a great reception," said Liddle.

"I played against him a few times before he joined us and I know all about his strengths and weaknesses.

"While I have been at the club we have always had good draws in the this cup, and this is another one, with us at home to a higher division club."

Liddle hopes to be fit for the start of the season, but revealed today that he still has a stomach problem.

A detached tendon suffered towards the end of last season is causing him discomfort, but an injection is likely to cure the injury.

If not he will need an operation that could sideline him for six weeks, though he's not planning on it being necessary.

Manager David Hodgson is still seeking a player capable of replacing Conlon.

But he has several players in mind, and triallist strikers Sebastian Ferrero and Joaquim Ferraz will report for training on Monday.

HARTLEPOOL have been drawn at home to League Two side Macclesfield Town, hardly a tie to set the pulse racing, but Pool manager Neale Cooper is pleased.

He said: "We want to progress in the cup, and this game gives us every chance. Players enjoy the break from the league, and a cup run would boost our finances."

Cooper added that he hoped to sign at least two players before the start of the season.

Meanwhile Pool will be looking for a change in fortune when they appear in front of live TV cameras next month.

Pool's trip to Huddersfield on the second weekend of the new 2004-5 Coca-Cola League Two season has been re-scheduled for Sky TV.

So now instead of being staged on Saturday, August 14, Pool will meet the Terriers at the McAlpine Stadium on Monday, August 16 with an 8pm kick-off.

It will be the first time Pool will have featured in front of live TV cameras since their agonising last-gasp 2-1 play-off semi-final defeat by Bristol City at Ashton Gate in May.

And Neale Cooper's troops will be hoping to put one over the promoted Terriers as they look to build on the success of last season.

The game will also be Pool's second successive midweek away game, as their first league fixture away from Victoria Park is against Tranmere on Tuesday, August 10.

Meanwhile, Stockton-born midfielder Antony Sweeney could be like a new signing for Pool this season - according to assistant manager Martin Scott.

The 20-year-old penned a new deal at Victoria Park just days before the players returned for pre-season training.

Sweeney broke into the first team at the back end of last season and played a key role in helping Pool into the play-offs.

Indeed it was Sweeney's goal at Ashton Gate that looked like taking Pool to the play-off final at the Millenium Stadium before those two killer late blows for Bristol City.

And now having committed his future to the club, Scott reckons Sweeney will be a big player for Pool this season.

"Sweens has come back and he looks really, really sharp," said Scott.

"He could be like a new signing for us this season as he is looking really fresh.

"He broke into the team at the back of last season and did very well and played a big part for us.

"Now his contract is sorted he can concentrate on getting a place in the side at the start of the season.

"It is the same for the other young lads who have signed contracts.

John Brackstone, Matty Robson and Darren Craddock have all signed professional contracts.

"They have done really well, but it's now up to them to become good first team players."