Danny Cullip finally makes his Lewes debut tomorrow and two other players have forced their way in to Kevin Keehan’s thinking.

Skipper Cullip will lead the side out at Weymouth after missing the first three games of the season with a poisoned toe.

Without their captain the Rooks have taken one point out of a possible nine and his return will lift spirits following a morale-sapping 4-1 defeat at home to Salisbury last weekend.

Tom Lyons could also come into contention after scoring a hat-trick for the reserves in a 3-1 defeat of Gillingham in the Pontin’s Holiday Combination League on Wednesday while Stefan Cox staked his claim with a starring performance in that game.

Cullip’s return, though, is the best news ahead of a tough trip to Weymouth followed by a home clash with Ebbsfleet United on Monday.

Manager Keehan said: “In the summer I was looking for someone of Danny’s ilk. I ended up getting the best person I was going to get and then I lose him for three games.

“He will make a big difference, not only from a defensive point of view with his aerial presence and how he attacks the ball but also with his commitment and the way he talks to and organises players.

“We have got to go out there at Weymouth and on Monday and do what we train to do and if we do then I think we will get a result.

“We just need a lift at the moment to show we are not going to be the whipping boys.

“When the going gets tough the tough get going and everyone has got to show that desire to win. Having Danny back will really help us.”

Lyons has not yet signed for Lewes but is due to commit himself to the Rooks today. A former Crystal Palace youth team striker and a Republic of Ireland junior international, Lyons had spells with Crawley Town, Burgess Hill, Worthing and Horsham YMCA last season.

He linked up with Lewes in pre-season but Keehan delayed making a decision on signing him after he picked up a calf strain, which he has now recovered from.

Keehan said: “Tom took his goals very well and he is getting there. He is a good player although I have said to him he just needs to show a bit more enthusiasm at times.

“He does the right things. He was a bit nomadic last year. When these lads come out of pro clubs they sometimes get messed about a bit when they just need a bit of stability.

“Tom is not considering anywhere else. He is keen to sign and a hat-trick has helped his cause.

“Stefan Cox did well as well. He was lively, caused problems with his pace and created the the second goal. He is someone who can come on and change things.”

Lewes’ debut in the Pontin’s League proved a huge success. They gave run-outs to the five substitutes from the Salisbury game as well as Tom Graves, who has started all three matches so far. Former Albion youth player Zac Beda made his comeback from a groin injury and the rest of the side was made up of promising youngsters.

A crowd of about 100 watched the game at the Dripping Pan, including Albion manager Micky Adams and Eastbourne Borough management duo Garry Wilson and Nick Greenwood.

Keehan said: “It is a great thing for us playing in the Pontin’s League. Our next game is against Reading at the Madejski Stadium so there are incentives for players to play and it is great experience for them.

“It could be a real asset for us this season.”

The priority, though, is a victory for the first team this weekend to kickstart their season and build confidence.

Keehan said: “A win would give everyone confidence. Last Saturday we probably had more of the ball and more attempts at goal but we lost 4-1 and that can’t happen.

“If you look at it from the outside you will just see we have been beaten by three goals twice in a row but people at the Salisbury game will know we were a bit unlucky. Giving away bad goals is not down to luck but we are due a bit of luck in front of goal.”

Follow Lewes live against Weymouth tomorrow at theargus.co.uk/matchdaylive