MANAGER Tom Killick has described as “a major boost” the return of talisman Lamin Dibba for Poole Town’s Division One South & West run-in.

Dibba, who has endured an injury-ravaged campaign, has been named in the Dolphins squad for tomorrow’s Tatnam tussle with Halesowen Town (3pm).

The linchpin defender has had an exemplary appearance record since joining Poole in 2008 – until this season when he has been plagued by knee problems.

Killick told the Daily Echo: “Lamin is an immense player for us and being without him for most of the season has been a major disappointment.

“I envisaged Lamin and Michael Walker being the mainstays of our defence but they have only played together a handful of times.

“He is one of our most influential players so to have him back at this stage of the season is a major boost.

“He is also a very popular guy and everyone is delighted to see him back.”

Dibba is likely to start on the bench as the promotion-chasing Dolphins bid to consolidate their place in the play-off positions.

“He is going to be a bit rusty after such a long time out but he is naturally fit,” added Killick. “We put him straight back in after three months out earlier this season and he was man of the match against Chippenham in the FA Trophy. It’s great to have him involved again.”

Poole, who drew 0-0 with the Yeltz in November, will be hoping to keep pressure on their rivals by registering an 11th home win of the season against the West Midlanders.

While the champions earn automatic promotion to the Premier Division, the next four teams contest the play-offs – with second and third having home advantage in the semi-finals.

Killick added: “We have got seven league games remaining and probably need to win at least four to be safe in the play-off positions.

“It may be a bit of a long-shot to finish second or third but we will keep aiming as high as possible. Firstly, we need to concentrate on reaching the play-offs and won’t be looking beyond that.”

Poole are without utility man Kevin Gill, who serves the second of a three-match ban, while Aaron Skelton is again unavailable.

However, Havant & Waterlooville striker Alex Baldacchino, who has been playing for New Milton in the Wessex League, is available after signing Southern League forms for Poole.

Dolphins: (from) Hutchings, Spetch, Walker, Emmerson, Tallack, Preston, Brooks, Howes, Richardson, Devlin, Cann, Pinder, S Smith, Joyce, Bayston, Baldacchino, Dibba.