DARLINGTON manager David Hodgson is planning to speed up his search for a striker, with the fitness of Clyde Wijnhard hanging in the balance.

Hodgson has already outlined his desire to strengthen his attacking options. And with Wijnhard struggling with a groin injury, the Quakers boss is ready to step up his pursuit of a goalscorer.

Wijnhard was examined yesterday and is not expected to return to training until Friday, just 24 hours ahead of Quakers' trip to Northampton Town.

Quakers have been heavily reliant on the goals of Wijnhard, Craig Hignett and Alun Armstrong this season - between them the trio have netted 21 of Quakers' last 27 goals.

And with Craig Russell as the club's only other recognised striker, Hodgson is keen to bolster his forward line.

Ideally, Hodgson would like to take young Middlesbrough striker Danny Graham back to the club on loan.

Graham enjoyed a successful loan spell with Quakers last season, netting twice in seven starts.

However, the Teessiders are unlikely to part with the 19-year-old, who has emerged on Boro's first-team scene this season, scoring once in four appearances.

While Wijnhard is rated as 50-50 for Saturday's clash at the Sixfields Stadium, Hodgson could turn to Hignett to partner Armstrong in attack.

Hignett has recovered from flu and will be fit to travel with the rest of the squad to Northamptonshire after returning to training yesterday.

Meanwhile, Dundee boss Jim Duffy is expected to make a fresh approach for former Middlesbrough defender Dean Gordon.

Gordon has been training with Quakers since leaving Grimsby last month, but has yet to be offered a deal. Duffy is desperate to strengthen his squad with Dundee bottom of the Scottish Premier League.

l Juninho would welcome a switch to Manchester City if Celtic confirm he has no future at Parkhead, his agent has claimed.

The Brazilian has been linked with a move to Kevin Keegan's side.

The World Cup winner's agent Brian Hassall insisted Juninho's choice would be to stay on at Celtic and win over manager Martin O'Neill, who has been ignoring him in recent weeks.

But he confirmed City would certainly fit the bill should his stay at Parkhead prove to be a short one.

He said: ''He is a fan of Kevin Keegan's style of play. It would not be a bad move for him.''

Hassall insisted no official contact had been made by City but he revealed that Juninho, who only moved to Celtic from Middlesbrough in August, had already ear-marked them as a possible destination.