SATURDAY can't come soon enough for Barry Conlon after the goal-hungry Darlington striker warned promotion-chasing Torquay his appetite is stronger than ever.

Since joining Quakers in a £60,000 deal from York City in 2001, the Irishman has established himself as one of the Third Division's most prolific marksmen.

This season he has hit 11 goals and his form has alerted Sheffield Wednesday, Macclesfield and Swansea.

All have tested Quakers' resolve with unsuccessful bids for the 25-year-old, and while cash-strapped Quakers are willing to listen to offers, the big Irishman - out of contract in the summer - has reiterated his desire to remain at the Reynolds Arena.

With eight games left, David Hodgson's men are just four points clear of the relegation zone after Saturday's draw at Third Division leaders Doncaster.

And while Conlon has scored five in his last eight games, he has failed to find the net in his last two outings - a record he aims to put straight against third-placed Torquay on Saturday.

"Every striker loves scoring goals and I'm no different," said Conlon. "It is always disappointing when you don't get on the scoresheet but you just have to get on with it.

"We have another big game coming up on Saturday and I'll be doing everything I can to get back amongst the goals."

Weather permitting, Conlon will be hoping for a more productive afternoon against the Gulls after failing to find the net at gale-lashed Doncaster.

"In those conditions it's always difficult to control the ball properly," said Conlon. "It can't have been a good game to watch but I thought we dealt with it quite well.

"We weren't able to play our normal game and I'm sure the Doncaster lads would have said the same."

* Darlington's reserves play Hartlepool's second string at the Reynolds Arena tonight (kick-off 7pm).

Quakers will field several first-team players, with Gary Pearson, Clark Keltie, Brian Close Ian Clark, and Danny Graham all likely to be involved

Entry to the game is £3 for adults and £1 concessions, while season ticket holders are admitted for free.

Read more about the Quakers here.