RICHARD Walker looks set for a Burton Albion recall as a reward for two rescue missions.
The summer signing from Bristol Rovers can expect to line-up against Dagenham & Redbridge in tomorrow’s League Two clash at the Pirelli Stadium, kick-off 3pm, after glowing praise from manager Paul Peschisolido.
The 31-year-old striker came off the bench to good effect to help Albion pick up valuable points away to Notts County and Bradford City.
He followed up his goal at Meadow Lane by turning provider for Paul Boertien in the 1-1 draw at Bradford last weekend.
Peschisolido said: “ Walks did brilliantly for us in both games and he’s definitely one who could come in against Dagenham.”
Walker is likely take over up front from Greg Pearson, who has not scored since his double against Morecambe in the first home game of the season a month ago.
And he could be joined in Albion’s starting line-up by Jimmy Phillips and Robin Shroot if Peschisolido makes full use of his attacking options.
The Brewers boss said: “I’ve got a few choices open to me if I decide to freshen things up, and Jimmy and Robin will figure in my thoughts in that respect.”
Phillips was rested at Bradford, but he has been in eye-catching form in home games, while Shroot played a part in Albion’s second half fightback after coming off the bench at the Coral Windows Stadium.
Apart from long-term casualty Keth Gilroy, Albion’s only doubt is central midfielder Michael Simpson.
Peschisolido said: “Michael has missed a day this week because of illness, so we’ll wait to see what his energy levels are like come Saturday afternoon.”
The Brewers boss is expecting a vibrant contest against Albion’s former Football Conference rivals, who are currently second in the table with 16 points from their opening seven games.
The Daggers are renowned for their abilty to turn defence into attack and also boast the division’s joint top goalscorer in Paul Benson.
Peschisolido said: “Dagenham are not second in the table without a reason.
“They know how to do their jobs, although they’re not as direct of some people would have you believe.
“They can also play football, but the thing that makes them dangerous is that when they do go direct, they do it with pace and tempo — and that is something we’re going to have to match if we’re going to get something from the game.”
While the Daggers have relied heavily on Benson netting seven times, Peschisolido is happy to see Albion’s goals spread between nine players.
He said: “To have so many players on the scoresheet after only seven games is unusual.
”We want our strikers to get into double figures as soon as possible, but I'm delighted that goals are coming from all areas of the team.
“It's a nice position to be in — and long may it continue.”
Dagenham's wily boss John Still believes Albion will be dangerous opponents as they continue to bathe in the glory of promotion.
He said: “We know all about being carried along on a tide of euphoria after promotion because we've experienced it ourselves.
“The effect usually lasts for a dozen games or so, which means this is a dangerous time to be playing Burton.
“We've had them watched a couple of times and, from the reports I've received, I'm not surprised they're doing better than some people expected.”
Albion currently lie 10th in the table, but are only one point off the play-off places after stringing together a four-game unbeaten run.