DAVID Hodgson fears his hopes of landing a striker could be hindered by the competition in the Quakers attack.

The Darlington manager is chasing a Championship forward but admitted he is in no position to promise a regular start.

But with Clyde Wijnhard and Alun Armstrong - who have scored just one goal between them in the last nine games - are suspended for Saturday's League Two visit of Boston United and Hodgson is keen to bring in a striker on-loan.

The Quakers boss had hoped to land released Newcastle United striker Lewis Guy until the end of the season, but the 20-year-old has opted to join Doncaster Rovers on a two-week trial.

"It's a difficult position we are faced with," admitted Hodgson. "The whole point of a club loaning a player out is that he gets first-team experience. While we can offer that, there is no assurance that we can offer that on a week-to-week basis when we have other players at the club.

"It's a catch-22 situation, but I'm really trying to get someone in before the weekend."

Adrian Webster, Jonjo Dickman and Keith Gilroy will be out to impress Hodgson when Quakers reserves entertain Grimsby Town tomorrow. Webster is back in training after a hamstring injury, while Dickman and Gilroy will be hoping to prove their worth after joining Quakers on free transfers. Dickman has signed until the end of the season, with a one-year option, while Gilroy is playing on a non-contract basis.

Neil Maddison will be fit to face Boston after training yesterday. The Darlington-born midfielder has not fractured his cheekbone as was first feared and suffered only bruising after he was elbowed by David Hunt in the 1-0 defeat at Leyton Orient on Saturday.

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