Tranmere Rovers v Huddersfield Town: Clarke misses out as Town finally get back on the route to Wembley

Clarke is banned for the Johnstone's Paint Trophy Northern Area semi-final against Tranmere Rovers having picked up a red card against Brighton and Hove Albion in a League One game last weekend.

Victory would set up an area final against Carlisle United – played over two legs – and the winners of that tie will play southern finalists Brentford, Charlton Athletic, Bristol Rovers or Exeter City in the final on April 3.

Clarke's absence is a blow for the Terriers who have won three in a row ahead of tonight's trip to Prenton Park.

Already postponed twice due to snow and ice, the game is finally expected to go ahead amid improved weather conditions on the Wirral.

Midfielder Antony Kay, who spent two seasons with Tranmere prior to joining Town on a free two summers ago, is expected to drop back into the centre of defence as replacement for Clarke.

Striker Benik Afobe, on loan from Arsenal, is also unavailable due to an agreement which means he will play for the Gunners in a

FA Youth Cup tie against Darlington instead.

Manager Lee Clark must also decide whether to include Lee Novak, Tom Clarke or Gary Naysmith who returned to training last weekend following injury lay-offs.

Former Leeds United and Sheffield United defender Matt Kilgallon is set to join Doncaster Rovers on loan next month after losing his way in the north east.

Kilgallon is currently on loan at Middlesbrough from Sunderland, but has not played since the departure of manager Gordon Strachan.

He has struggled to command a regular first-team place at Sunderland since leaving Sheffield United 12 months ago.

Last six games: Rovers LWWWLL, Town LWLWWW

Last time: Rovers 0 Town 2; February 23, 2010, League One

Referee: K Evans (Lancashire)