DAVID HODGSON has reminded his Darlington players of the predicament they were in last season as he challenged them to get their new campaign back on track at Macclesfield Town this afternoon.

Hodgson has been highly critical of his players in recent games, culminating in an angry post-match tirade after the 1-1 draw with Northampton seven days ago, in which he described the performance as a "disgrace".

Stark contrast to last season, when Hodgson could only speak highly of his players, who fought against all odds - including unpaid wages - before staving off the threat of relegation in May.

Hodgson's worry is that his team are playing without the added pressure of administration, something the Quakers boss can't comprehend.

And having performed under such circumstances last season, Hodgson, frustratingly, knows he has a squad capable of more.

He said: "I had a meeting with all the players who played for us last season, separate from the new lads I've brought in since.

"Those players from last season kept this football club in the league. On form they could easily have finished in the top six.

"They performed under extreme pressure and without wages at one point, playing with the club in administration and the threat that it could fold.

"During that time we played just as well as anyone in the league.

"Those same players are at the club now and I think they have forgot what they achieved last season."

Initially, Hodgson returned to the club in November last year on a short-term contract until the end of the season.

But after steering the club clear of relegation in May, Hodgson admitted it was difficult to walk away.

He said: "I praised them to high heaven last year and I made a point to them that I really wouldn't have stayed here this year.

"I came to the club last season to help them stay in the league and that was it.

"Then the club was bought out and I knew that the future was going to be good in terms of security.

"But it was the group of players themselves which was enough to convince me to give it another go.

"They've had the praise and now they must start performing again."

Craig Hignett has a slender chance of making his third start for the club at the Moss Rose Ground this afternoon and will face a late fitness test on a groin strain.

The 34-year-old limped off shortly after giving Quakers a 23rd-minute lead against Northampton last week.

However, after training at Thorp Arch with former club Leeds this week, Hodgson believes Hignett is in with a shout.

With several players undergoing treatment, Hignett was given special permission to use Leeds' training facilities.

"Higgy came in on Thursday and he told me he thinks he has a chance," said Hodgson. "Leeds have been kind enough to allow him to use their equipment so we will see how he feels on Saturday."

Craig Russell is standing by to replace Hignett after recovering from a thigh strain. Joe Kendrick and Stephen Thomas are both back in contention after recovering from ankle and hamstring injuries respectively.

However, Ian Clark is ruled out with an ankle injury, joining long-term injury victim Joey Hutchinson on the sidelines.

And while Clark will return to training next week, Hodgson believes Hutchinson - out for seven months with knee ligament damage - will be a big loss.

He said: "We missed Joey against Northampton last week because I think the other lads at the back feel somebody with lightning pace will out-do them.

"Joey gives other players that extra little bit of security. He won't be around on Saturday so it is up to the three other lads to deal with it."

Despite Hutchinson's injury, Hodgson has admitted Leeds-born Clarke could still return to West Yorkshire with Bradford City.

"Matt is playing for a purpose because he could join Bradford when they come out of administration," said Hodgson.

"He was outstanding for us last season and he won every award going. But he's from the area and it's a move to a big club so we won't stand in his way."

Hodgson has already lined up Ipswich's Middlesbrough-born defender Chris Hogg as a possible replacement.

Striker Alun Armstrong will make his second start for the club today and Hodgson said: "We are still building Alun's fitness up but we will give him at least 70 minutes."

Hodgson confirmed that Armstrong will not play at Mansfield Town in the first round of the LDV Vans Trophy on Tuesday night.

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