Darren Huckerby could barely hide his delight at being reunited with his former Coventry City team-mate Dion Dublin. The pair struck up a prolific partnership in the Premiership with the Sky Blues during the late 1990s and Huckerby is hoping that some of that old magic can be re-kindled.

Darren Huckerby could barely hide his delight at being reunited with his former Coventry City team-mate Dion Dublin.

The pair struck up a prolific partnership in the Premiership with the Sky Blues during the late 1990s and Huckerby is hoping that some of that old magic can be re-kindled.

Dublin, 37, who has joined on a free transfer for the rest of the season, previously played alongside Huckerby up front but now the City wingman is looking forward to supplying the ammunition for his old pal.

“At the time we were probably one of the best partnerships in the Premier League,” said Huckerby, who will have to wait to team up with Dublin again for at least another fortnight because of the groin injury he suffered against Coventry two weeks ago.

“I used his height and experience a lot and we worked well together. But I kind of play in a different position now so hopefully I can knock a few balls in to get a few goals.”

Huckerby also believes that despite Dublin being very much in the twilight of his career, he can still produce the goods at this level.

He said: “I hope so. That's obviously the reason that the manager brought him in. He's got great experience and he has played at the top level for a number of years.

“He's a threat from all set pieces and he can hold the ball up. We are very short on numbers, so any new player is a good addition.

“He's been around a long time and played at some very, very big clubs and I am sure that he can help the younger players like he did for me in the past.”

He added: “He's a big lad and probably one of the best players that I have seen head the ball. He can be a danger from all set pieces and crosses and hopefully we can find him and if he plays hopefully he can give us something that we haven't got.”

And Huckerby is hoping that Dublin can have an immediate impact, starting at Home Park against Plymouth on Saturday. The City talisman is well aware that the team's form on the road has not been quite up to scratch, but expects Dublin to provide a real threat.

“We definitely need a win, especially after the last two results,” said Huckerby. “Hopefully, Dion will give us that presence away from home and it's just a shame that I won't be there, but I'll be looking forward to coming back as soon as possible. He's something we haven't got. It's clear he looks after himself to still be playing at 37.”

Meanwhile, Huckerby is pleased with the way his injury is coming along and hopes to be back soon, possibly in the next couple of weeks.

He said: “It's going okay. We are nine days into the four-week schedule and we have still got a bit of time to go. I'm working hard on getting back and hopefully I won't be too far off in a couple of weeks.”