LEANDRO Scartascini has returned to Darlington in the hope of earning a permanent deal.

The Argentinean is back in the North-East after spending a fortnight with his family in his homeland near Buenos Aires.

Quakers' miserable financial situation meant they were unable to provide accommodation to keep the 19-year-old prospect in the country.

Now, Quakers boss David Hodgson, who brought Scartascini to England on the recommendation of a South American contact, is keen to take another look at the midfielder after he impressed in his first spell with the club.

Scartascini was in the stands to watch Quakers secure their league status with a 1-1 draw at Lincoln on Saturday.

And the teenager - who will not require a work permit because of Italian grandparents - will remain with the club until the end of the season before Hodgson makes a decision.

Earlier this season Scartascini saw a dream move to Italian Serie A side Udinese fall through.

Hodgson, meanwhile, has set his sights on building on Saturday's hard-earned point at Sincil Bank by ending the season strongly.

"It's not over as far as I'm concerned and I want to finish the season as high as we can," he said.

"Since November I can do nothing but give the lads praise and we need to make sure we carry on until the very last kick.

"Out of all those games since I've been back we've probably had four where we've had room for complaint. They've done it right all along.

"They have proved me right because I have always had every belief that we would be safe."

Joey Hutchinson will miss Saturday's final home game of the season against Swansea as he serves a one-match ban.

Craig Liddle is still carrying a stomach strain but will be fit enough to play his 300th game for the club.

"I don't think Lids would ever forgive me if I left him out of this one," said Hodgson, who also expects to welcome back Neil Maddison following a knee injury.

Read more about the Quakers here.