DAVID HODGSON insists the experience of former Middlesbrough duo Craig Hignett and Curtis Fleming will prove invaluable to Darlington's League Two aspirations.

With skipper Craig Liddle ruled out until the New Year, Hodgson is counting on the likes of Hignett and Fleming to keep Quakers in the promotion hunt.

Ninth-placed Quakers face struggling Mansfield Town tonight, and a win could take Hodgson's men up to fifth.

Aided by the return of Hignett and Fleming, who between them boast over 800 career appearances, Hodgson believes the fitness of his older players is paramount to their prospects.

He said: "The likes of Higgy and Curtis are hugely influential in the side, but they need to be playing, week-in, week-out.

"If we are to achieve any kind of consistency then these kind of players need to be staying in the side."

Hignett has missed the last five games with a hamstring strain, while Fleming - capped ten times by the Republic of Ireland - has not played since sustaining a knee injury at Macclesfield in September.

The return of Hignett, who has scored four goals in seven appearances, comes as major boost and Hodgson hopes the playmaker can help striker Clyde Wijnhard end his goal drought.

The Dutchman has failed to score in his last six starts and Hodgson said: "Clyde could do with a goal and I think players like Higgy will create chances.

"I'm sure it will only be a matter of time before Clyde starts knocking them in again."

Defender Matt Clarke is available after a one-match ban and will come in as a direct replacement for Brian Close, who is suspended for one game after reaching five bookings at Cheltenham.

Liddle will undergo an operation on a niggling stomach injury and is expected to be sidelined for six weeks.

"It's a massive blow to lose Lids for that amount of time but we have other experienced players at the club," said Hodgson.

Crisis-torn Mansfield have failed to win in their last nine games and are without a permanent manager after Keith Curle was suspended last month over allegations he bullied a trainee.

Former England international Carlton Palmer, who was on trial with Quakers last season, has been placed in temporary charge.

"They're going through a rough patch at the moment but that doesn't mean we can just turn up and expect to win," warned Hodgson.

Quakers return to the Williamson Motors Stadium for the first time since producing their worst performance of the season in the 3-0 defeat against Lincoln last month.

However, after vastly improved displays at Yeovil and Cheltenham, Hodgson has challenged his players to continue their mini revival tonight.

"We've done well to get the Lincoln game out of our system with a couple of very good performances," said Hodgson.

Quakers face Leyton Orient on Saturday and Hodgson added: "We have two home games coming up and if we can take six points from them we will be in a very strong position leading up to Christmas."

Mansfield have several injuries to contend with. Top scorer Colin Larkin is ruled out with a virus, while Rhys Day (ankle), Adam Eaton (groin) and Fraser McLachlin (ankle) are sidelined.

Highly-rated defender David Artell is suspended and will be replaced by transfer-listed Luke Dimech. Palmer looks set to hand a debut to Simon Brown after signing the West Brom midfielder in a £50,000 deal yesterday. The fee will be doubled depending on appearances. Former Liverpool trainee Leyton Maxwell is also in the squad after signing a short-term deal.

Quakers' players will wear black armbands tonight as a mark of respect for Hicham Zerouali, who was killed in a car accident. The Moroccan striker had a trial with Quakers earlier this season, but a permanent deal fell through when the club failed to obtain a work permit for the 27-year-old.

* Hodgson and Mark Proctor will be guest speakers when the Supporters Club host a fans' forum in the Corner Bar at the Williamson Motors Stadium on Thursday (7.30pm). Admission is free to supporters club members and £1 to non-members.

* Quakers will travel to Plymouth Argyle in the third round of the FA Youth Cup next Tuesday.

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