Alun Armstrong will be staying at Darlington until the end of the season after signing a new contract last night.

He ignored the overtures of at least two other clubs to put pen to paper on a new deal, on the same financial terms as he's been on since signing in September.

Armstrong, 30 in February, was due to be a free agent from tomorrow, when his previous deal expired. But even though Championship side Preston and League One Colchester made their interest known, the ex-Middlesbrough striker chose to stay.

For Ipswich-based Armstrong a switch to Colchester would have vastly reduced the time he spends travelling and his decision to stick with Quakers impressed boss, David Hodgson.

"It says a lot about our football club that Alun, who has four children, would rather play for us than for a club ten minutes up the road and in a higher division," he said.

"We must be heading in the right direction because clubs like Bristol City, Rotherham, Doncaster were interested before we signed him three months ago and Hartlepool tried to get him.

"We are still on the same understanding as we were - if the chance for Alun comes to move up the league then we would not stand in his way."

After being released by Ipswich Town during the summer, Armstrong signed a three-month deal with Quakers and although he has found the net eight times, a move has not materialised.

Neither Preston nor Colchester could offer improved terms to Armstrong, who is currently enjoying his longest run of consecutive league games since 1996, when he was with Stockport County.

Hodgson said: "He's familiar with his surroundings, and he's comfortable with the whole set-up of the club so why would he go searching for something exactly the same on the same money?

"He's going home after matches a happy man and he has not had that for a very long time.

"I know what it's like when you're injured or not part of the team and it is not nice.

"But it is important that he sticks to the training programme we have given him because he's had a lot of injuries over the years.

"Now he's playing week after week, and sticking to the training programme, he's fit and it shows."

Quakers have made moves to ensure the player is happy, having allowed the Tynesider to train with Ipswich. Now he has repaid the favour.

Armstrong scored his eighth goal of the season as Quakers moved up to fifth in League Two after Saturday's 3-0 win over Leyton Orient and Hodgson said: "He has everything he wants at Darlington and he said that he would be quite happy to carry on with us.

"I watched his celebration after he scored at the weekend and that gave me a little indication that he was happy here."

Lille striker Franck Padovani will train with Quakers after flying into the country late last night.

The 19-year-old is available on a season-long loan and will be assessed this week.

Hodgson has denied reports linking highly-rated goalkeeper Sam Russell with a move. The former Boro stopper is Quakers' only ever-present this season.

Hodgson admits Russell's performances will attract interest but insists they have yet to receive any approach for the 22-year-old.

With no reserve game this week, Quakers entertain Scottish Division One side Queen of the South in a behind-closed-doors friendly at the Williamson Motors Stadium this afternoon.

Clyde Wijnhard could be credited with Quakers' first goal at the weekend after the club submitted an appeal to the Football League. Replays show Wijnhard got the final touch, despite the strike going down as an own goal.

Read more about the Quakers here.