Morecambe could be set to unleash Robbie Talbot against derby rivals Southport this Christmas after a year on the sidelines.

Talbot was attracting the interest of a host of football league clubs before his injury at this time last year.

Since then, the former Blackpool, Marine and Burscough man has played just one game - against Margate - but he was able to return to action with the reserves last week and made a second half cameo appearance against Forest Green on Saturday.

Talbot's injury has allowed youngsters Wayne Curtis and Danny Carlton to shine, and his return gives manager Jim Harvey a selection headache of the right kind up front.

Morecambe hope to recover from a disappointing defeat against Forest Green on Saturday as they host crisis club Kettering Town at Christie Park.

That is - if Kettering can raise a team.

The cash-strapped Poppies are down to just 11 senior players after midfielder Scott Goodwin gave 14 days notice of his departure.

Manager Carl Shutt has also lost the services of midfielder Richard Butcher to Third Division Lincoln City.

To make matters worse for Shutt, his side are rock bottom of the Conerence, having won just four games this season.

However, one of those victories was against Jim Harvey's men.

Then comes arguably the biggest league game of the season as derby rivals Southport come to Christie Park for the annual Boxing Day fixture.

This year's fixture has extra spice as 'Port are only one point behind Morecambe in the race for the play-offs.

As usual, a smattering of players will be facing their former club, with Lee Elam making his first appearance against 'Port since joining Morecambe in pre-season while Peter Thomson joined Southport after a spell at Christie Park last year.

The clubs face each other again six days later on New Year's Day at Haigh Avenue.