DAGENHAM & REDBRIDGE striker Mark Nwokeji will play no further part this season due to a cruciate injury, writes MIKE SIMMONDS. Nwokeji, 27, has endured a bit-part role in his first campaign at Daggers, making 20 appearances and scoring five goals. His la

DAGENHAM & REDBRIDGE striker Mark Nwokeji will play no further part this season due to a cruciate injury, writes MIKE SIMMONDS.

Nwokeji, 27, has endured a bit-part role in his first campaign at Daggers, making 20 appearances and scoring five goals.

His last game was the 1-0 home defeat to Darlington, but he will now not kick a ball in anger until the 2009/10 campaign.

"Mark will not play until next season, although thankfully he doesn't need an operation," said Still.

"It's a terrible blow for him as he could have played in Paul Benson's role, I know he could.

"After three or four games he would have got it, so I feel for him, as he's had to be patient all season and now this happens."

There was better news regarding Peter Gain and Paul Benson, with Gain in line to return to the squad for the clash with Brentford on March 23.

"Peter will play 90 minutes of a game between ourselves on Thursday and a hopefully a reserve game next week, then he should be ready to be included," said Still.

"Paul is right on course for recovery, and should be in full training in another three weeks."

Meanwhile, contract talks between Still and a number of his first-team squad who will be free agents at the end of the season, remain ongoing.

The manager is hopeful of keeping hold of his top names, but is well aware that money could dictate otherwise.

"There or two or three out of contract who quite rightly want to wait and see," he said.

"We know we can't compete with most of the other clubs at our level financially, so if it is down to finances, there will be some players leaving.

"We'll wait and see though, as we have lost some very good players in the past, but we've still made progress."

The Daggers manager is also hoping to tie up the deal to bring Weymouth defender Scott Doe to the club, as the club are awaiting clearance from the FA.

"It should go through in the next few days, subject to clearance from the Football League," said Still.

"Scott has played for England C, he was Weymouth player of the year last year and for all intents and purposes, would have been again this year.

"I enquired about him earlier in the year, but Weymouth didn't have problems then and the substantial transfer fee would have ruled us out.

"He also received offers from other clubs, including Peterborough, but felt that coming to Dagenham would be his best opportunity."

Can Daggers cope with the injury to Mark Nwokeji? Email: sport@ilfordrecorder.co.uk