DARLINGTON skipper Craig Liddle will step up his return from injury in tomorrow's behind-closed-doors friendly with Leeds United.

David Hodgson has confirmed that Liddle is expected to get a run-out for the first time this year after undergoing a double hernia operation last month.

The influential defender has made good progress since going under the surgeons knife in Manchester four weeks ago and came through a four-mile run without any problems last week.

"Craig has been doing very well and the Leeds game will be a good opportunity for him," said Hodgson. "He has been working very hard, doing a lot of running and he looks about ready.

"He still needs to get a couple of games under his belt to build up his fitness and the game on Wednesday will give him a chance to do that."

Liddle's last appearance came in the 2-0 win at Cheltenham Town in November. Hodgson's men have kept two clean sheets in Liddle's nine-match absence.

Lithuanian striker Grigalevicius Mindaugas is on trial with the club and is also expected to feature tomorrow.

Hodgson is keen to strengthen his attacking options and will take another look at the 23-year-old, who trained with Quakers earlier this season.

Craig Hignett could also play against his former club after recovering from a virus. Hignett has been an unused substitute in Quakers' last two games.

"Craig is without doubt the most technically gifted player we have at the club," said Hodgson. "He had to suffer the consequences of coming out of the side because we needed to strengthen up in the middle of the park. It's a hard decision to make when you have a player of that quality."

Hodgson has escaped a potential touchline ban, despite being sent to the stands in Saturday's 1-1 draw at Northampton Town.

He was dismissed after contesting a decision, which led to the Cobblers' 87th minute equaliser.

However, referee Andy Hall has decided not to report Hodgson to the FA.

* Luckless Darrell Clarke is facing a further month on the sidelines.

The Hartlepool United midfielder has yet to kick a ball for his club this season following an operation on a cracked knee cap.

He moved to Stockport on loan last week to build up his fitness, but lasted just 30 minutes of his debut before being forced off.

His temporary spell with ex-boss Chris Turner has been cut short and Clarke will undergo a scan this morning to discover the extent of the damage.

Read more about the Quakers here.