Former Everton and Aston Villa star Derek Mountfield has answered an SOS from Scarborough manager Mick Wadsworth and plays for the Seasiders in the Auto Windscreen shield tie at Wigan tonight.

The 36-year-old centreback, who also played for Wolves in a medal-laden career before linking up with Wadsworth at Carlisle, will play on a non-contract basis.

"He is a very experienced player who I believe can do a job for us by his presence on the field and will be a fine example to our younger players," said the Boro boss.

"I am hopeful that he can be with us to the end of the season."

Mountfield was released by Walsall at the end of last season but has been keeping trim with the occasional non-league game and by training with West Bromwich Albion.

"I will probably need a game or two to get back to match fitness," he admitted.

"But I am looking forward to playing in the league again as there really is nothing like the feeling of pulling on the shirt and getting out there.

"It certainly beats watching and Mick has asked me to organise the defence and make myself heard on the pitch."

Mountfield features in a side much changed for the clash with second division Wigan, who beat York City 5-0 earlier this season.

Jason Lydiate and player coach Jamie Hoyland are suspended, Danish striker Thomas Dablesteen has left the club and Matthew Russell, Alex Marinkov and on-loan 'keeper Luke Weaver are all injured.

Phil Naisbitt, a former Sunderland junior, will make his debut in goal while skipper John Kay, may well be fit enough to come back into the side.

Boro: from Naisbitt, Radigan, Mountfield, Jackson, McNaughton, Atkinson, Kay, Worrall, Bullimore, Greenacre, Milbourne, Rainford, Tate.

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