While Diamonds are unlikely to field the likes of Daryl Clare or Leon Knight against the Bones, players like Michael Rankine, Phil Gulliver and Sam Smith could well feature at Nene Park.

And Hope stressed it was important that the team turned in a good
performance.

"With there being no reserve league for our players now, a lot haven't had much time on the pitch so this a good chance for us to get 90 minutes under their belts," he said.

"The likes of Rankine and Gulliver need to play and it's a good opportunity for people like Smith, Jake Beecroft and Jamie McGuinness, too.

"With games coming thick and fast at the moment, we need players to be ready and up to speed so they can step into action the moment we need them.

"Of course, games like tonight are also a good chance to look at some of our youngsters and see how they are progressing and if they are ready to make the next step up."

Rothwell boss Rob Dunion admitted the competition was not top of his
priority list.

But he also stressed that his team would be looking for a positive result as they bid to get some momentum going in the BGB Southern League Division One Midlands.

"We're not favourites for winning this competition this year. The league is more important to us," he said.

"But when you're trying to get some results on the board and get a winning run going, as we are, you don't mind which competition you're in as long as you're getting the performance.

"We'll take a strong team over to Diamonds and it will be good for the lads to play at Nene Park.

"If we can put in a positive display there, we can hopefully build on it and start getting results in the league."

Rothwell have Robbie Maddox and Pete Sneddon back.

But Dan Pownell (ankle) and Ollie Wilkinson (back) face late fitness
tests.

Rothwell from: Malong, Smith, Wilkinson, Glass, Burrows, Pownell, F Koriya, Maddox, Sneddon, Marlow, Flannigan, Difante, Byrne, McInally.