Darlington have been dealt another blow with the news that Paul Campbell could now be out for the rest of the season.

The midfielder suffered a groin injury against Torquay three weeks ago and last week was told he would be out until February.

But there has been some more bad news for the youngster, who admitted at the weekend he was shocked by the news of the initial diagnosis.

Manager Gary Bennett revealed: "He is going to have a complicated operation and the doctor has told us that it will take a long time for him to recover. He looks as if he'll be out for the rest of the season."

Bennett has received some good news regarding injuries to Gary Himsworth and Paul Heckingbottom - but probably not soon enough for the trip to Hull City on Saturday.

"Gary won't be ready for Saturday, but he might be all right for the home game against Halifax the following week," said Bennett. "Paul might be kicking the ball again in a fortnight, and he might be able to join the squad after that. But I don't want to rush him back - another few weeks won't do any harm."

Himsworth picked up a back injury at Scunthorpe a fortnight ago, and Heckingbottom a groin injury in the first leg of the Worthington Cup against Bradford City.

Meanwhile youngsters Steve Walklate and Craig Skelton have both had their contracts extended.

Darlington's youth team faceYork City at home tonight in the FA Youth Cup second round (KO 7.30).