ASHLEY NICHOLLS may be consigned to the stands this afternoon, but the man responsible for his omission would prefer to see the midfielder out on the pitch in a Darlington shirt.

Last month, Quakers boss David Hodgson reluctantly sanctioned Nicholls' loan move to Third Division rivals Cambridge until the end of the season.

The 22-year-old has failed to settle in the North-East since joining Quakers on a free transfer from home-town club Ipswich at the start of last season and Hodgson granted Nicholls his wish to return closer to home with a move to the Abbey Stadium.

However, as the sides prepare to do battle at the Reynolds Arena today, Hodgson last night revealed his regret at Nicholls' decision.

"I'm disappointed it hasn't worked out for him up here but when a player is not settled there's only so much you can do," admitted Hodgson.

"I know the boy can be exceptional on his day and it's an unfortunate situation we're in.

"We allowed Ash to leave on the basis he wasn't allowed to play against us.

"We could do without a situation where one of our own lads plays a blinder and scores against us!"

Cambridge boss John Taylor has already expressed an interest in landing Nicholls - out of contract in the summer - on a permanent basis.

The midfielder will not command a transfer fee, although Hodgson will insist on a sell-on clause for the former England schoolboy.

With Cambridge in free-fall - with just one win from their last eight - Nicholls may take time to consider his options.

"Ash has done very well for himself down there and Cambridge are keen to take him on a permanent basis," said Hodgson.

"At the moment Ash holds the ace card and what he decides to do is entirely up to him.

"I'm sure he'll be considering the position Cambridge are in at the moment."

Hodgson has sent out his latest plea for fans to turn out in droves. He was bitterly disappointed with Tuesday night's crowd of 3,921 against Cheltenham.

"I'm literally begging for a big crowd now," said Hodgson.

"If we need to keep asking people to come along we will do that. I can live with that all day long.

"I've said it before and I will say it again, to break even we need to be getting crowds of 6,000."

Quakers are now nine points clear of the relegation zone but with ten games to go, Hodgson insists safety is not yet assured.

"All it takes is two or three defeats and we could be back in trouble," he said. "We've got to keep working, stay disciplined and keep moving in the right direction."

Skipper Neil Maddison returns to the side in Hodgson's only change from the side which beat Cheltenham.

New boy Brian Close will have to settle for a place on the bench, despite impressing on his full debut.

Hodgson will keep faith with David McGurk, Ryan Valentine and Craig Russell, with Joey Hutchinson, Ian Clark and on-loan Sunderland striker Neil Teggart likely to remain on the bench.

Hartlepool United striker Jermaine Easter will start for the Us after extending his loan for another month.

Defender Stuart Bimson is doubtful with a foot injury.

"They're high on confidence and they've moved well clear of the relegation zone," said Taylor.

"It's a tough blow not to have Ashley in the side but we knew that when we signed him."

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