BARRY CONLON has been tipped to fire Darlington to safety by manager David Hodgson.

But the Quakers boss insists he needs to find the big Irishman a partner before he can hit top form.

Conlon is set to make his third League start in a row against Scunthorpe United today after recovering from ankle ligament damage.

The 25-year-old has yet to find the back of the net since making his comeback and Hodgson insists the player has still not found full fitness.

Darlington's first-choice striker has had winger Neil Wainwright for company in the final third in recent games.

And Hodgson has been desperately trying to draft in a new foward to complement four-goal Conlon's style - Middlesbrough's Jamie Cade opted for a move to Colchester United instead this week.

"Barry Conlon can score goals but he is not 100 per cent fit yet, I would say he is still 80 per cent," said Hodgson. "I have to find him a partner. Once we have found him a partner then we can build on a partnership and that will help.

"When I came here I didn't know that much about Barry. All I knew was that he has been this club's top scorer and I know he will score goals.

"I know Wainy has been playing up there alongside him but he is not a natural forward, although he has been working hard. I'm working my socks off to get someone in."

During his time away from Darlington, Hodgson has been scouting in South America and built up strong connections while working as an agent.

And he is hoping the links he has forged during his three years away from the Quakers will help to bring new faces in - insisting he could add quality now if it was financially viable.

There is no money available for new players, further highlighted yesterday when it emerged the players' wages will not be paid until next week, when gate receipts from today's clash will help fill the pay packets.

Hodgson, who does not blame chairman George Reynolds for the financial situation, said: "Being an agent has always helped me in the past. There are a million avenues for me to go down.

"I know two internationals, from Austria, who would come here straight away.

"What we cannot do is promise things to these players, that is the problem.

"What we have to do is say to players, whose careers have come to a stop, that we can make it happen for you again.

"At the moment I am going on what players have achieved under me at this football club in the past.

"Marco Gabbiadini, Neil Aspin, Neil Heaney and Peter Duffield. They all came here and had the chance to extend their careers and they did just that. Now we want players to come here and do exactly the same."

Scunthorpe travel to the Reynolds Arena today knowing three points is likely to send them into the play-off places.

It is a far cry from Darlington, who have failed to win any of their last 11 games and occupy a relegation place.

Including this afternoon, Hodgson's first three Division Three matches in charge have been against promotion hopefuls - Lincoln, Swansea and now The Iron.

But today's match is Darlington's first of four home matches inside six games and Hodgson said: "The team is improving all of the time.

"We played Lincoln and got better as the game went on.

"They have been doing really well on the training ground now we just have to transform that into a match day."

"I can't fault the players for their attitude. They have shown a great attitude since I came here and hopefully it won't be long before we turn it around."

* Ipswich manager Joe Royle has confirmed Shefki Kuqi will be joining the First Division club on a permanent basis from Sheffield Wednesday.

Kuqi has been on loan at Portman Road since September, scoring four times, and has now agreed to stay despite reported interest from Norwich.

The deal has not involved a fee, although Wednesday will receive a ''promotion bonus'' should Ipswich reach the Premiership.

Royle told the club's official website: ''Shefki has done well for us since he arrived here and I am delighted that he has agreed to join the club on a permanent deal.''

Royle is now hoping to secure the permanent services of both Chris Bart-Williams and Alan Mahon, on loan from Charlton and Blackburn respectively