DETERMINED Darlington boss David Hodgson is waiting to hear whether or not his search for a striker has finally came to a successful conclusion.

Hodgson left right-hand man Mark Proctor in charge of training yesterday to hold talks with a Premiership club, with a view to signing the young forward on a season-long loan.

An official approach was made for the player on Wednesday, with Hodgson holding further discussions yesterday in the hope of ending an exhausting summer-long search, which has so far failed to bear fruit.

Under the restrictions of administration, Hodgson has been forced to take extra caution, with only one remaining place available in his squad. However, Hodgson will not hesitate to fill that gap if he is successful with a player he clearly rates.

Quakers have scored just two goals this season and Hodgson said: "I can't afford to go and sign a striker who is not going to fill that role with the purpose that we need.

"There are plenty of strikers I could sign but they are not all goalscorers.

"There is one specific player I want at the club and I am moving heaven and earth to get him here. He would be another piece in the jigsaw that we need.

"I have spoke to the club during the last 48 hours and they are thinking about it."

Meanwhile former Aberdeen forward Hicham Zerouali is expected to link up with the Quakers squad over the weekend.

Hodgson insists his latest loan bid will not affect the Moroccan's chances of earning a permanent deal at the Williamson Motors Stadium. "All being well Zerouali will be arriving to join us on trial in the next 24 hours," said Hodgson.

"If he is up to scratch then he will be another player competing to get in the starting XI."

*The club has reminded fans that a subsidised bus scheme is now in place. Six Stagecoach buses will run a non-stop service between Tubwell Row in the town centre and the Williamson Motors Stadium. The service starts at 1.15pm, leaving every 15 minutes until the last bus, which departs the town centre at 2.30pm. Buses will leave the stadium after the game at 4.45pm, 5pm, 5.15pm and 5.30pm. The service is running on Saturday's only.