Ian Atkins will use Wednesday's LDV Vans Trophy first-round tie at home to second division Rushden & Diamonds to try out a new right side of defence.

Scott McNiven was one of four senior players to miss training yesterday after picking up a knock and looks set to miss the game, along with Paul Wanless, Paul McCarthy and Steve Basham.

And U's boss Atkins looks set to start with Chris Hackett as right-wing back, but with the possibility of switching recent signing Jon Ashton to right back if the team changes to 4-4-2.

"There's one or two things we might try out," Atkins said. "Although it's the LDV, we still want to win it."

The game will represent a big chance for Danny Brown and Derek Townsley to restate their case for a recall to the team, although the favoured three-man midfield of Wanless, James Hunt and Dean Whitehead have impressed since being put together as a unit.

Jefferson Louis will play up front with either Mark Rawle or Manny Omoyinmi.

Atkins said: Mark's got a tight hamstring. If he can't play I'll probably recall Manny from Margate, which I can do.

"I could play Jamie Brooks there at the start, but more likely is that he'll be on the bench."