DARLINGTON manager David Hodgson will count the cost of the impressive New Year's Day win at Scunthorpe United this morning.

Quakers play Macclesfield Town at the Williamson Motors Stadium, with several injury worries to contend with.

Hodgson fears he may have to make changes after former Middlesbrough trio Alun Armstrong, Curtis Fleming and Neil Maddison all took knocks in the 1-0 win at Glanford Park.

Skipper Maddison sustained a foot injury in a challenge for the ball, while Fleming (calf) and Armstrong (groin) limped off the second half.

"We may have to make changes, but I know we have enough fresh legs at the club," said Hodgson. "There are players who are bending over backwards to get in and I'm sure whoever does come in will do a good job for us."

After achieving Hodgson's top ten target going into the New Year, the Quakers boss has briefed his squad on their next objective.

He said: "I told the players that I wanted us in the top ten coming out of Christmas. Now we have to focus on ten to seventh. Anything above that is a big plus, but that's what we have to strive for."

Craig Hignett is vying for a recall after dropping to the bench at Scunthorpe. Hodgson defended his decision to leave the 34-year-old on the bench after switching from a 4-3-3 formation - used at Shrewsbury - to a 3-5-2 at Glanford Park.

He said: "Craig Hignett is a fantastic football player. He sets an example to players on how the game should be played, in terms of his technique, vision and passing.

"At Scunthorpe I thought we needed something different with five across the middle of the park. I needed people who could drive up and down the field. I know Higgy is capable of that but I wasn't prepared to let him do it."

Quakers face sixth-placed Macclesfield after the Silkmen stumbled to a 2-1 derby defeat at home to Chester City on Saturday.

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