DARLINGTON'S search for a striker took one step forward, before taking two back yesterday.

Quakers boss David Hodgson has been told that Middlesbrough forward Danny Graham will be allowed to re-join the club on a season-long loan.

However, the 19-year-old will not be available until October, after the Teessiders signalled their intentions to asses Graham in reserve-team football first.

The Newcastle-born forward enjoyed a successful loan spell with Quakers last season, scoring two goals in seven starts.

Hodgson has continued to monitor Graham's situation across the A66 and was hopeful of concluding a deal following talks with Boro boss Steve McClaren this week.

However, McClaren's decision to keep hold of Graham in the short-term will come as a bitter blow to Hodgson, who is desperate to land a goalscorer after seeing his side score just twice this season.

"I've spoke to Steve McClaren and we will be allowed to take Danny in around six weeks time because they want to take a look at him in the reserves first," said Hodgson.

"Danny did very well for us last season and we have always maintained an interest in him.

"It's unfortunate that we can't get hold of him straight away but we have to respect Middlesbrough's decision.

And while the Graham deal is put on hold, Hodgson will switch his attentions to Moroccan forward Hicham Zerouali in the meantime.

The 26-year-old is expected to link up with the Quakers squad on trial early next week.

"We have spoken to the lad and it is just up to him now," said Hodgson.

"He's due to arrive over the weekend so will take a good look at him next week."

Hodgson looks likely to keep faith with Matt Clarke and Craig Russell in attack as Quakers take on Chester City at the Deva Stadium this afternoon. Both players were criticised by fans during Tuesday night's Carling Cup defeat at the hands of Barnsley.

"At this stage of the season I can't believe the fans are getting on the players' backs," said Hodgson. "We know what the situation is and until we come out of administration there is only so much we can do.

"The fans seem hell-bent on destroying the players confidence before we've even played games. That's not supporting your club. That's bringing your club down.

"People like Craig Russell are not cowards and they will not go hiding in games. His work-rate was excellent against Barnsley and he was unlucky not to score after finding himself in some good positions.

"Matt Clarke may have a get-out in that he is not a striker but that doesn't mean he's not expected to perform.

"Overall I am pleased with the way the squad is taking shape but we know the facts and we know we need a goalscorer."

Quakers have not won on their travels since beating Scunthorpe on the final day of last season.

But against a Chester side in turmoil, Quakers may not have a better chance of recording their first away win of the season.

The League Two newcomers are bottom of the table and without a manager following Mark Wright's departure earlier this month.

"They've had their own problems to contend with but that is not something which concerns me," said Hodgson.

"We will be expected to beat Chester but I think we had better chances to beat Kidderminster and Bristol Rovers.

"I don't think it matters who we're up against but more about how well we equip ourselves against teams."

Hodgson will make at least two changes from the side which lost to Barnsley. Defenders Craig Liddle and Ryan Valentine will return to the starting XI, with Ian Clark and Chris Hughes making way.

Chester caretaker boss Ray Mathias has a number of injury worries to contend with. Striker Michael Branch is a major doubt after sustaining a knee injury in the 3-0 Carling Cup defeat at Sunderland in midweek. Daryl Clare (hernia) and Darryn Stamp (knee) are already ruled out, while forward Cortez Belle faces a late fitness test on a leg injury.

City signed Richard Hope from York City in the summer but the former Quakers defender may have to settle for a place on the bench.