DARLINGTON manager David Hodgson has insisted experienced duo Craig Hignett and Craig Liddle will not be rushed back into his first-team plans.

The former Middlesbrough team-mates did not play in Sunday's 2-1 win at Oxford, despite recovering from injury.

Hignett has returned to training following a hamstring injury, while Liddle is recuperating after spending part of last week at Lilleshall, where he underwent tests on a leg problem.

But after watching his side claim their second straight win at the Kassam Stadium at the weekend, Hodgson is in no hurry to throw the pair back into the fray.

"Craig Hignett was keen to play but we weren't prepared to take that gamble," said Hodgson.

"He's enjoying himself and you can understand why he wants to play, but we have to think about the situation long-term.

"When I made the decision I told him that we have to be careful and he has been in the game long enough understands that."

With defensive trio Joey Hutchinson, Curtis Fleming and David McGurk all sidelined through injury, Liddle was named among the substitutes on Sunday.

"The same applies to Craig Liddle because I don't want him out there at the moment," said Hodgson. "We could really do with him out on the pitch but we must concentrate on getting him right first."

Hignett is likely to return for Saturday's visit of Bury, while Hodgson will assess the fitness of Liddle later in the week.

And after seeing his side climb to eighth in the table following their second straight win on Sunday, Hodgson is relishing the visit of the Shakers.

"We knew that if we beat Oxford we could take that into our next game at home to Bury," said Hodgson. "There is now an opportunity for us to take three consecutive wins."

* Supporters are reminded England's World Cup qualifier with Azerbaijan will be screened live in the Tin Shed bar tomorrow. Doors open at 4pm for the 5.30 kick-off.

Read more about the Quakers here.