Darlington hotshot Barry Conlon has backed manager David Hodgson's search for a new striker.

The Dublin-born forward, last season's top scorer with 17 goals, has found the net just five times this campaign.

And Conlon, on target in Saturday's draw with Scunthorpe, admits opportunities in front of goal have been hard to come by without a regular strike partner.

In the 19 games the 25-year-old has appeared in this season, he has played alongside no fewer than five different forwards.

"It's always difficult when you have to play with different players because you can't always get that understanding straightaway," said Conlon.

"It's always good to bring players in because it adds extra competition for players.

"If he can bring a new player in it will be good for everyone and hopefully they will be able to liven things up a little bit."

Hodgson has identified two young strikers he is interested in bringing to the club on loan but he is keen to keep their identity under wraps.

Conlon has yet to decide whether to appeal against his sending-off at the weekend.

The 25-year-old was dismissed for clashing with Scunthorpe's Andy Butler.

Butler fell to the floor after squaring up with Conlon when the Quakers striker was adjudged to have handled in the box.

Defender Ryan Valentine is also facing a three-match ban after being sent off for tangling with the same player.

"I spoke to the gaffer and we are going to look at it," said Conlon.

"I don't honestly know what's happening at the moment but we'll take a look at the video and take it from there.

"As I went up to head the ball I got a little nudge and it came off my hand. There was no way I had any intention of handling the ball intentionally in the box. I looked up to him face to face and he went down like a sack of spuds."