Welsh international midfielder Glyn Hodges will be a surprise face in the Scarborough squad to face Leyton Orient at the McCain Stadium tonight (7.30pm).

Hodges, 35, played for Boro's reserves on Monday night in the 2-1 Pontin's League Cup victory over Newcastle United.

The former Wimbledon and Sheffield United star is a free agent after being released by Premiership strugglers Nottingham Forest.

He was close to signing for Boro's rivals Hull City last week but the deal fell through.

"He will probably start on the bench," said Scarborough boss Mick Wadsworth. "But we are very excited about Glyn, with all his experience, coming here. It is a very good signing for us."

Hodges, capped 18 times by Wales, has also played for Derby County, Newcastle and Watford and played for Forest in the Premiership earlier this season before being released by ex-boss Dave Bassett.

Signed on a non-contract basis, he will provide some much needed steel and experience to a previously lightweight Boro midfield.

Former York City full-back Paddy Atkinson is doubtful for tonight's crunch clash after picking up a hamstring injury.

Striker Liam Robinson is also out with a troublesome groin injury.

"He is struggling a bit," admitted Wadsworth. "He had some tests done yesterday but we haven't had the results yet."

The match gives Boro a chance to open up a five point gap on bottom-club Hull City, after the Tigers drew with Barry Fry's Peterborough 1-1 last night.

City had the chance to relegate Boro to bottom place of division three if they had won and scored two goals, but were denied three points by an injury-time equaliser from the Posh.

Scarborough from: Naisbett, Russell, Hoyland, Marinkov, Mountfield, Jackson, Kay, Bullimore, Lydiate, Hodges, Brodie, Greenacre, Tate, McNaughton.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.