FORMER Middlesbrough striker Alun Armstrong is relishing the prospect of resurrecting his career back in the North-East with Darlington.

The 29-year-old signed a three-month deal with Quakers on Tuesday after being freed by Ipswich Town during the summer.

The temporary switch was agreed on the basis that Armstrong would be allowed to leave if the opportunity to play at a higher level arises.

The Gateshead-born forward has made no secret of his desire to resume his career back in the Championship.

But while the move will effectively put Armstrong in the shop window, the forward has promised to return the favour by firing Quakers up the League Two table.

"I still want to play in the Championship and if I can get fit here and help Darlington along the way that would be great," said Armstrong.

"David has told me he won't stand in my way if the chance to play at a higher level comes along. For a manager to say that is unbelievable and hopefully I can repay him by doing well for Darlington.

"All I want to do now is let people know I'm still around and start enjoying my football again."

Armstrong moved to Portman Road from Middlesbrough in 2000 in a £1.6m deal. But despite helping Town to promotion in his first season and fifth in the Premiership - and a Uefa Cup place - the following year, Armstrong fell out of favour when Joe Royle replaced George Burley as manager in October 2002.

"I was stuck in a rut when Joe Royle came in because I never seemed to get much of a chance," said Armstrong. "I was fed up and felt depressed with the game after a while.

"I worked hard to try to force my way back but for some reason I just couldn't get a regular run in the team.

"It's a shame it didn't work out because I had a good first season with Ipswich and I was in Europe the following season, playing against Inter Milan."

Armstrong scored in both legs against the Milanese giants in a 5-2 aggregate defeat three years ago.

After suffering relegation with Town the following season, Armstrong suffered several injury setbacks.

"Joe thought I was lacking a bit of fitness so he took me into the fitness coach to do some work for a couple of weeks," said Armstrong. "It was more like six months and I srill couldn't get back in the team."

Armstrong is now looking forward to getting his career back on track among some familiar faces.

Armstrong revealed ex-Boro teammate Neil Maddison played a major role in his decision to return to the North-East.

He said: "I spoke to Maddo on numerous occasions and he told me that the manager was keen on bringing me up here.

"Maddo wouldn't get off my back and Hodgy wouldn't stop texting me so in the end I gave in!"

Despite Armstrong's arrival, Hodgson remains keen on Blackburn striker Jemal Johnson, while Bradford City forward Michael Symes is the latest target.

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