WANDERERS will train at Aston Villa today as they prepare for tomorrow's League Two clash against promotion rivals Darlington.

The Blues will break their longest journey of the season with a training session at the Premier League club as they bid to extend their run of just two defeats in their last 12 league matches.

Boss Paul Lambert said: "They have been kind enough to let us use their place. We did it last year and it is good for the players to know what it is like at a big club."

He is hoping it will rub off on them when they visit what is arguably the plushest ground in the league looking to register a first victory over top-seven opponents this season.

He said: "We're on a good run in the league and we want to continue that. We think we can win up there.

Skipper David McCracken will again miss the trip. He is still sidelined with the calf injury which forced him to miss last weekend's 1-0 home success over bottom club Lincoln City."

The match has also come two weeks too early for last year's Player of the Year Tommy Doherty.

He sparkled again for the reserves on Tuesday but Lambert will resist the temptation to bring him back too soon after four months on the treatement table with appendix and calf problems.

Wanderers have had Darlington watched three times this season and will also tap into the knowledge of Chris Palmer.

The Blues defender had an unhappy time on loan there earlier this season and was sent back early after a reported bust-up.

He can't play tomorrow but Lambert plans to pick his brains ahead of the clash.