REDDITCH United's FA Cup hero Lee Ross looks like being rewarded with a place in the starting line-up for tonight's tricky replay at Shirebrook Town.

The former Halesowen Town striker grabbed a second half equaliser to earn Reds a second chance against the Northern Counties East side.

Manager Rod Brown, who missed the Valley Stadium tie due to a business trip to Portugal, said: "We have got out of jail and have been thrown a lifeline. We now need to take our chance up there.

"I am looking to change things around and looking to start with Lee Ross up front."

But Brown admitted he faced an anxious wait before naming his defence. Richard Field came in for his first game in place of the injured Gary Knight on Saturday and his lack of match fitness was obvious.

"Gary Knight is definitely out," Brown added. "He did his groin in the Yate game and felt it tighten against Rugby last week.

"Richard Softley is 60-40 in favour of playing but we will have to wait to see if he will make it."

The Reds boss is in talks with two defenders in the hope of arranging a loan term at the Valley Stadium.

"We need to bring someone in so that injured players like Gary Knight and Neil Manton have time to recover from their injuries," Brown added.

Should Redditch overcome Shirebrook in tonight's replay, they have been rewarded with another home tie in the third qualifying round against either Frickley Athletic or Shildon. They were due to play their replay last night.

"The draw has given us the perfect incentive tonight but we cannot look towards the next round until after our replay," Brown added.

Redditch are back in Dr Martens Western Division action on Saturday when Swindon Supermarine are the visitors to the Valley Stadium.