18 year old defender Dan Kirkup has had his loan spell at Southport cut short as manager Neil McDonald asked for his return to rejoin the United squad this afternoon.

Kirkup teamed up with the Sandgrounders at the end of September and has played 12 Conference games for them in what has been a very useful spell for the tall centre back.

With Peter Murphy still injured, and Dave Raven suspended for the weekend game at Northampton, McDonald has decided to use the recall clause and bring Kirkup back in to the fold.

Kirkup played in the 60 minute run out yesterday, which saw United stage a behind closed doors game between themselves, and will be available for selection on Saturday, if needed.