SPOTLAND may be a far cry from the Premiership, but Craig Hignett is fully prepared for his latest chapter in the football.

This time last year, the 34-year-old was rubbing shoulders with the likes of John Terry at Stamford Bridge and Steven Gerrard at Anfield.

This afternoon the former Middlesbrough favourite will roll back the years when he returns to life at the other end of the Football League spectrum when he makes his Darlington debut at Rochdale.

It was 16 years ago that a fresh-faced Liverpudlian joined Fourth Division Crewe Alexandra after failing to make the grade with hometown club, Liverpool.

And it was at Gresty Road that Hignett developed under the guidance of Dario Gradi - who had already produced future England internationals in David Platt, Rob Jones and Geoff Thomas - before moving to Middlesbrough for £500,000 in 1992.

Now, over 500 appearances later - and with one FA Cup runners-up medal and one League Cup winners medal a sign for his efforts - Hignett returns to familiar surroundings.

"I don't think a trip to Rochdale was the first thing on my mind when I agreed to join Darlington but I'm looking forward to the challenge," said Hignett.

"I've played at this level before with Crewe so it's not something which is new to me.

"I know David likes his teams to play football and that's one of the reasons I agreed to join because that suits me down to the ground.

"There is a good group of players here and hopefully I can do my bit for the club."

Hignett completed his free transfer on Wednesday after failing to earn a long-term deal at Leeds United.

And in the same week that Quakers came out of administration, boss David Hodgson has promised more new signings after transfer restrictions were lifted.

"Craig is another piece in the jigsaw, but there are still four or five more players I want to bring in," said Hodgson.

"If we strengthen in all the right places we will be a good League Two side.

"We are hoping to progress as a football club and all the players must understand that they are part of a squad."

Few managers would hold agents with such high regard, given the negative influence they can have on players.

But had it not been for the intervention of agent Garry Thornburn, the deal to bring Hignett back to the North-East may never have materialised.

A former agent himself, Hodgson said: "People are often critical of agents but they are essential in today's game.

"Garry does a lot of work for Higgy and he marked my card three or four weeks ago that things might not work out at Leeds.

"It was at that point we threw our hat into the ring and Higgy said he would love to come to Darlington."

And until Hodgson brings a striker in on loan, Hignett is likely to begin his new career in attack.

Hodgson will hold talks with two players on Monday after missing out on Leeds United youngster Simon Johnson yesterday.

The striker has opted for a one-month loan move to North-East neighbours Sunderland.

Hicham Zerouali has returned to Morocco while the club seek advice in obtaining a work permit.

Matt Clarke or Craig Russell will make way from the forward line today.

Midfielder Clark Keltie is vying for a recall in place of Stephen Thomas, who is ruled out with a hamstring injury, picked up against Scunthorpe seven days ago.

Rochdale are just one place below Quakers in 13th place and Hodgson said: "They have been similar to us this season, but I think we might just have the edge on them.

"The lads have been fantastic in training and they must take that into the game."

Dale are likely to revert to a 4-4-2 formation at home after winning 1-0 at Grimsby last Saturday with a 4-5-1 system.

Top scorer Grant Holt has been playing as a lone striker away from home, but should be partnered by former Bristol Rovers striker Paul Tait today.

Defender Greg Heald (hamstring) and Scott Warner (shoulder) are ruled out.

Northern Ireland international Pat McCourt is unlikely to figure after being placed on the transfer list by Dale boss Steve Parkin this week.

Read more about the Quakers here.