Darlington loan recruits Lee Matthews and Craig James look set to escape the rigours of a relegation fight after today's visit of Hull City.

Quakers boss David Hodgson last night confirmed Sunderland full back James and Bristol City forward Matthews will be returning to their clubs after this afternoon's Third Division clash.

Both players are out of contract at the end of the season and a number of potential suitors have already registered their interest.

Middlesbrough-born Matthews has scored once in five appearances, while James has impressed in a left-wing-back role since joining the club from the Black Cats eight weeks ago.

But given Quakers' precarious position at the foot of the Third Division, Hodgson admits it would be difficult to compete with clubs who are in a superior position.

James is unlikely to be offered a new deal at the Stadium of Light and an unnamed club has already expressed an interest in the 21-year-old.

"Craig has the opportunity to cement a permanent deal with a club at a higher level," said Hodgson.

"Being here has served him well because he's been able to put himself in the shop window. Lee is in the same situation where other clubs can give him the security of Football League status."

Oxford, Doncaster and Swindon are all keeping tabs on Matthews, whose Ashton Gate career has been blighted by injury since joining the club from Leeds in a £100,000 deal three years ago.

While Quakers - in administration since December 23 - may not be in the financial position to sign players on a permanent basis, Hodgson is hopeful of making further loan additions early next week. "I've got two in the pipeline now, which hopefully I'll have finalised by Monday," said Hodgson.

Goalkeeper Andy Collett has been ruled out for six weeks. But Hodgson is unlikely to seek a replacement with teenage stopper Jack Norton expected to provide back-up for Michael Price.

Instead, Hodgson is likely to turn his attentions to a midfielder and a striker after admitting: "In theory we could have four players unavailable for the Kidderminster game."

In addition to Collett and midfielder Clark Keltie - out for a fortnight with an ankle injury - Hodgson will be without the services of Joey Hutchinson and Chris Hughes for the trip to the Aggborough Stadium in a week's time as they serve one-match bans.

Peter Taylor's Tigers make their second trip to the Reynolds Arena, having recorded a 3-1 win in October in the LDV Vans Trophy.

Quakers were on the end of a 4-1 mauling at Hull's KC Stadium on the opening day of the season and will know exactly what to expect from in-form City, who have won their last three games.

However, Hodgson remains in defiant mood and believes Quakers - with just one win in their last 16 League games - are capable of defying the odds.

"I don't worry about the opposition, but I do know that we can beat Hull City," said Hodgson.

"They've done very well this season but they will have areas we can exploit and hopefully make the most of. If I believe we can beat them then hopefully my players will too."

Quakers remain in the relegation zone after last week's 1-0 defeat at Leyton Orient.

But Hodgson does not believe Quakers' results of late have done their performances justice.

"If our football had been watched by a panel of judges then we would have had points in every game," said Hodgson.

"I cannot fault my players for the commitment and desire to win but we now need to make it count."

Former Leicester and England caretaker boss Taylor has the luxury of a fully-fit squad to choose from, with Danny Allsopp expected to get the nod over Jamie Forrester in attack, where he will partner ten-goal top scorer Ben Burgess.

City may be favourites to claim a hat-trick of wins over Quakers but Taylor is expecting anything but an easy ride.

"The new manager has come in and changed a few things and we know they're playing a lot better than their League position suggests," said Taylor.

"They should have got something at Leyton Orient last week but didn't and this will be another tough match.

"They're fighting for their lives as much as we're fighting for other reasons."

Meanwhile striker Danny Mellanby will seek a second opinion on his troublesome back injury next week.

The 24-year-old was told last week that he would have to wait until April for an operation.

The club are now seeking advice elsewhere in order to speed up the forward's recovery.

Mellanby joined Quakers from Bishop Auckland in 2002 but his professional career has so far been blighted by a catalogue of injuries, including a debilitating back problem, which resurfaced in November.