Crawley striker Charlie MacDonald fears he will lose his place in the side if forced to miss tonight's Conference clash with Farnborough.

The Reds top scorer is a major doubt with an ankle injury he suffered in the second minute of Saturday's 1-0 defeat at Carlisle.

MacDonald has started every game this season and has scored seven of Reds' 15 goals, making him the second highest scorer in the division.

But despite his good form, the former Charlton hit-man believes Crawley's strength in depth up front means he is not assured a starting place.

Manager Francis Vines has Allan Tait, Danny Davidson and Dan Marney to choose from if MacDonald is ruled out.

MacDonald said: "I really don't want to miss the game, not just because of the team but because there are good players waiting in the wings for their opportunity.

"There is a lot of competition for places up front and, although I have scored goals this season, I know there are others who are capable of coming in and doing well.

"If I am not fit I'm sure whoever plays will not let anyone down and it could mean I would find it hard to get back in the side. At the moment it's 50-50 whether I play.

"At first I thought I had broken my leg and then it went numb. I had an x-ray and it is only heavy bruising, so I have to keep icing it down, taking anti-inflammatories and hope it is okay."

Vines said: "If we have to lose Charlie it will be a blow, but I'm not too worried because up front is probably where we are strongest.

"Allan (Tait), Danny (Davidson) and Dan Marney are all more than capable of coming in and doing well, so it's not a problem."

Vines has decided against making a loan signing ahead of tonight's home game. He was set to strengthen his squad after winger Rob Traynor and defender Sean Hankin suffered knee injuries at Carlisle, but both players have been passed fit.

Midfielder Paul Armstrong will replace the suspended Fiston Manuella for his first start since knee surgery in the summer. Armstrong came on for the last 35 minutes at Carlisle and has only had a week of full training but Vines is confident he will be fit enough.

He said: "I don't have any concerns over Paul. His fitness could be better but he is an Irishman and will work as hard as the team needs him to."

Farnborough will line-up with two players who are familiar to Reds supporters. Goalkeeper Craig Holloway played five times on loan from Arsenal last season and turned down an offer from Crawley in the summer.

Striker Stephen Hughes, recently signed from Welling, was on trial at Reds during pre-season but was not offered a contract.

Borough are appealing against a one-match ban for captain Nick Burton, but it looks likely he will miss the game.