ANDY Hodgson makes a welcome return to the Wharfedale first team tomorrow after a two-year absence (writes Mike Crowther).

The former Greens skipper - who broke his leg for the third time against Bracknell back in January 2004 - will play on the wing for the visit of high-flying Moseley.

Hodgson has made a successful return to action with the Foresters over the last month, but his recall to the first team is much quicker than anticipated.

"I didn't expect to be picked at all this season," said the former Bradford Bulls player.

"I was just glad to get back on the field with the seconds. It's come a lot quicker than expected, but there are a few injuries and John Lawn asked me if I could step in."

Lawn is prepared to throw Hodgson back into the fray a little earlier than he would want to solve a selection dilemma regarding the number 11 shirt.

Gavin Thompson and James Hutchinson have shared the left-wing slot for much of the season, but Thompson is now working in Ireland and Hutchinson is still troubled by a leg injury which forced him out of last week's defeat at Halifax.

The decision to move Chris Malherbe out to the wing was scrapped in the second half of that match, with Jonathan Davies coming in at full back and Adam Whaites moving to the wing. But Lawn cannot continue with this option as Davies is also unavailable this week.

"His return is obviously good news for the club," said the Dale coach, who had effectively ruled Hodgson out of his plans for the season due to the extent of his injuries (he also had an operation to repair knee ligament damage).

"He may not be quite there yet physically, but he knows the game inside out."

Hodgson added: "I had expressed an interest to play against Halifax, but with it being a local derby we thought they may target me a bit. Instead, I'm starting against the top of the league!"

The 29-year-old's all-action style has seen him spend as much time on the treatment table as on the field.

He added: "I won't change my game, but I might use the brain a bit more, link up with players and read the game and try and get on the end of things."

Lawn has also had to make changes to the back row due to injuries to Hedley Verity and Rob Baldwin sustained at Halifax.

Verity faces a long lay-off due to a broken thumb, which he has had operated on, while Baldwin has a badly bruised chest.

Rob Lednor comes in at open side to make his full first team debut after impressing in the seconds. Oliver Renton plays at blindside flanker with Alastair Allen switching to no 8.

On-loan prop from Sale, Martin Halsall, drops to the bench and is replaced by Neil Dickinson.

Lawn said: "Martin has not been used to playing full games and is still working his way back from injury. After playing on Saturday, he also had a full game with Sale Jets on Monday. Neil Dickinson is a very experienced campaigner and also needs game time."

Moseley are one of three sides chasing the top two promotion slots along with Waterloo and Esher and will provide Dale with one of their stiffest tests of the campaign.

"Waterloo are probably the most powerful of the three sides and Esher have the best defence. But Moseley were probably the best side overall from what I've seen," said Lawn.

"They are well coached and well drilled both up front and behind and play a simple, effective game. But we will concentrate on what we can do and attack and be positive."

His side will have to raise their game after producing a flat performance in a 16-9 defeat against Halifax in what was a turgid Yorkshire derby.

Lawn pinpointed his side's main weakness at the breakdown which left his side on the back foot and starved of quick ball.

Wharfedale: Adam Whaites; Simon Horsfall, Chris Malherbe, Mark Bedworth, Andy Hodgson; Andy Baggett, James Doherty; Philip Peel, Gavin Hindle, Neil Dickinson, David Lister, Anthony Capstick, Oliver Renton, Rob Lednor, Alastair Allen. Replacements: Martin Halsall, John Lawn, Sam Allen, Chris Meehan.