DARLINGTON last night admitted making a move for Oldham striker Carlo Corazzin.

The Canadian international, who turns 30 on Christmas Day, is available for transfer from the Latics and Quakers boss Tommy Taylor made an approach earlier this week.

Taylor tried to bring Corazzin in for today's Third Division match with Cheltenham at Feethams.

But Darlington's PR director Luke Raine said last night: "We did make an enquiry earlier this week."

Quakers manager Tommy Taylor was told the player was available. "However, after we asked them whether we could have him at the club for Saturday, Oldham have not been back in touch."

Corazzin, who moved to the Latics from Northampton in July 2000, has been told he can leave and there is still a chance that a move - either a loan or permanent - can be completed.

Taylor was tempted with Corazzin after having a bid of £60,000 turned down for Sunderland striker Michael Proctor - it is thought £200,000 was the figure being asked.

Meanwhile, after suffering injury and suspension, Darlington's threadbare squad will be pushed to its limits this afternoon, but Taylor believes his players can deliver his preferred Christmas present - three points.

Cheltenham arrive at Feethams in eighth spot on the back of a 3-1 win at York last week, but Taylor expects his team to record a win - but only if they follow his instructions.

He said: "They key is: everyone's got to do their jobs. That's all we've got to do.

"They've got a way of playing, they're very physical so we'll have to match them physically but if all our players do their jobs we'll be all right.

"They had a great result away from home last week when they beat York 3-1, but we could've beaten York 7-0 when we played them!"

The Quakers have been preparing for the game without several players who would've been involved were it not for injuries and suspension, so Darlington's task this afternoon has been made all the more difficult.

Although Taylor was last night keeping his team selection under-wraps, Quakers must fill the void created by the departure of Gary Caldwell to Newcastle.

And that could mean a return to central defence for Paul Heckingbottom, who also played there during the cup win at Altrincham two weeks ago.

Read more about the Quakers here.