Colchester clinch Walker loan

Colchester clinch Walker loan

Published Jan. 15, 2013 6:15 a.m. ET

Blackpool have no new injury worries as caretaker-boss Steve Thompson prepares to lead the managerless Championship outfit into their FA Cup third-round replay against Fulham.

The Seasiders, who drew 1-1 with the Cottagers in the first tie, are in talks with Dundee United boss Peter Houston over replacing Michael Appleton, who left to take charge at Blackburn after just 66 days at Bloomfield Road.

Defender Ian Evatt remains sidelined with a bruised knee, while winger Matt Phillips continues his recovery from a toe injury. The 21-year-old Scotland international last featured during November's 2-2 draw with Bolton - the first game of Appleton's brief tenure.

Stephen Crainey returned at left-back for Saturday's 2-1 defeat to Charlton, but Bob Harris could feature again with Thompson likely to shuffle his pack.

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Gary Taylor-Fletcher overcame a back injury to take up a place on the bench at The Valley and is set to be included once more as Pool chase a fourth-round trip to Manchester United.

Fulham manager Martin Jol is expected to rest striker Dimitar Berbatov for the replay.

Jol has hinted he will rest several first-team players for the clash given that it comes just three days after the Cottagers' 1-1 draw against Wigan.

Mahamadou Diarra (knee) and Kerim Frei (pelvis) are likely to miss out while Steven Sidwell is a doubt with a hamstring injury.

The 21-year-old stopper is yet to make a first-team appearance for the reigning European champions but has made more than 60 Football League appearances during loan spells with Barnet, Yeovil, Bristol Rovers and Northampton.

Walker's arrival at the Weston Homes Community Stadium seems to suggest manager Joe Dunne will remain in his position, for the time being at least.

Dunne admitted he was considering his future after Saturday's 2-1 home reverse at the hands of fellow strugglers Scunthorpe - a ninth successive league defeat and an unwanted new club record.

Dunne is also close to bringing in another unnamed player, believed to be former loan striker Jabo Ibehre.

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