DAVID HODGSON is confident Joey Hutchinson can put his injury nightmare behind him and come back stronger to lead Darlington's promotion charge next season.

Middlesbrough-born Hutchinson is ready to commit his future to Quakers after reaching an agreement which will keep him at the Williamson Motors Stadium until next summer.

The former Birmingham defender played only a handful of games this season after sustaining cruciate knee ligament damage.

But, as Hutchinson nears full fitness, Hodgson has every belief the highly-rated Teessider can return to his best next season.

"Joey has endured an horrendous season, but he just wants to put that behind him now," said Hodgson. "He's worked very hard and returned to training recently, which is fantastic for the lad and us.

"We've spoke about his situation and obviously his fitness has been an issue. That is something we will assess during the summer and hopefully he will make a full recovery.

"He's agreed terms with us which is great news."

Neil Wainwright, Jonjo Dickman, Adrian Webster, Akpo Sodje and Adolfo Gregorio have verbally agreed new deals and are expected to sign before the end of the month.

Hodgson will now turn his attentions to convincing goalkeeper Sam Russell his future lies with Quakers. Russell has emerged as a target for several clubs, who are continuing to monitor the 22-year-old's situation.

And, despite a "fantastic offer" to remain in the North-East with Quakers, Hodgson fears the highly-rated stopper could move on.

"The one worry I have at the moment is Sam Russell," admitted Hodgson. "We've made him what I consider to be a fantastic offer, but what we're faced with is constant calls from agents, working on behalf of clubs, asking about his situation.

"Sam is contracted to the football club and technically he can't leave. Even if he is out of contract he can't go anywhere because he's only 22."

Jason St Juste has been offered a new deal, but the Leeds-born winger has yet to return to Hodgson with an answer.

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