DARLINGTON new boy Craig Hignett will take part in his first training session this morning - and skipper Craig Liddle has backed the former Middlesbrough star to make a massive impact this season.

The attack-minded midfielder joined Quakers on a free transfer from Leeds on Wednesday and will make his debut at Rochdale tomorrow.

Hignett will link up with his new teammates today after Quakers were given the day off by manager David Hodgson yesterday.

With over 200 Premiership appearances, Liddle believes Hignett will be a valuable addition to the squad.

"Higgy has played most of his career at the highest level and I think he's a massive signing for us," said Liddle.

"I'm just as excited as the supporters are because I think he's a fantastic player. He has a lot of class and I don't think it will take him that long to adjust at this level."

Hignett has scored 159 goals in his career - his last coming for Leicester against Premiership champions Arsenal in December last year.

And Liddle is confident the 34-year-old can add to that impressive tally in League Two.

"He can get goals wherever he plays, whether it's in midfield or up front," said Liddle. "He scored a lot of goals in the Premier League and hopefully he will find it a lot easier to get more at this level."

Hignett has put pen-to-paper on a deal which will keep at the club until the end of the season, with a one-year option, after failing to earn a long-term deal at Leeds.

And Liddle believes the capture of Hignett signifies the beginning of a new era for Quakers, who came out of administration on Tuesday.

"The last few years have been a bit bleak but things are looking up for us now," said Liddle. "If we can sign people like Craig Hignett then the future looks good for the club."

And if Hodgson gets his way Hignett may not be the only new face on parade at Spotland tomorrow afternoon. The Quakers boss will this afternoon step up his efforts to bring a striker in on loan after squad restrictions were lifted.

Quakers midfielder Clark Keltie is standing by for a recall to the side, with Stephen Thomas struggling with a hamstring injury.