The latest chapter in the chaotic career of Faustino Asprilla begins tonight when he is introduced to the Darlington crowd as Quakers welcome Carlisle to Feethams.

Although yet to receive a work permit, Asprilla will mark the beginning of his Darlington career with an appearance on the pitch tonight, before watching his new teammates in action from the stands.

The club's application for a permit will be made today and although he doesn't meet the current criteria, having appeared in only five of his country's last 14 competitive matches - below the required figure of 75per cent over the last two years - the club are optimistic of a positive outcome in light of Middlesbrough's successful move for Brazilian Juninho.

It is more than six years since Asprilla first landed in the Premiership - and tonight's game may be a culture shock as he witnesses football three divisions below the standard at which he first appeared in England.

He entered the English game in front of more than 30,000 spectators when championship-chasing Newcastle won at Middlesbrough and Darlington captain, Craig Liddle, has a photographic record of the Colombian's first football experience on these shores.

Liddle was introduced as a half-time substitute for Boro that day, and 22 minutes later Asprilla made his Premership bow.

Such was the occasion that Liddle bought a photograph of him in a midfield tussle with the Colombian striker, and is now hoping Asprilla will provide some more picture-book moments at the other end of the football ladder.

"When he went to Newcastle I didn't know much about him but he was full of tricks that day and he set up the second goal," said Liddle. "He's an exciting player and you don't know what he's going to do next.

"I played against him when he made his debut for Newcastle as I came on as a sub at half-time. He came on later and changed the game.

"I've got a framed picture in my house of me tackling Tino and Peter Beardsley so I must have come into contact with him at some point in the game, but I can't remember much about it.

"If we do pull it off I think it will be great for the supporters more than anybody else and I'm looking forward to playing with him if we do sign him."

Liddle concedes he is worried the prospect of infamy will be too much for some third division heavyweights who will relish facing what will become the division's biggest name.

The captain said: "I think it will give the whole club a lift but it will be interesting to see how he does in the Division Three. Everyone knows he's a quality player but it will take him time to adapt to this level.

"But there will be players out there who will go out to hurt him, just to make a name for themselves but he's probably had that most of his career so he'll be used to all of that."

With Quakers misfiring in attack, Asprilla could provide an injection of skill in the final third which could turn Quakers into genuine promotion material.

Darlington are not a poor side in front of goal, but their lack of a killer-instinct has cost points this season, with Saturday's game at Rochdale a prime example.

"We seem to be defending alright, but we can't take our chances," admitted Liddle. "It's not just the front two, we've all missed our chances.

"But at least we're creating chances and hopefully somebody like Tino, if he comes, can tuck them away."

Darlington are looking for their first win since the opening day of the season tonight and boss, Tommy Taylor has a selection problem to deal with.

Darlington's defence will be unchanged while Asprilla must wait before taking his place amongst Quakers' forward-line, but the midfield department is now positively overflowing.

Quakers sparkled at Rochdale but tonight sees Mark Ford available for the first time this season following a four-game ban while Clark Keltie has staked his claim recently.

Taylor is a big admirer of Ford whose box-to-box style is sure to win him a place back in the team with Ashley Nicholls moving out wide to replace Neil Wainwright who is likely to be rested.

However, Taylor's selection poser has been eased somewhat as Jon Cullen has yet to overcome a hamstring strain which prevented him from playing at Spotland.

Read more about the Quakers here.