MARK PROCTOR is confident former Middlesbrough midfielder Phil Stamp will turn his back on a return to Scotland and sign for Darlington instead.

Quakers are ready to offer Stamp a short-term deal after the 29-year-old expressed his desire to return to the North-East after three years with Hearts in the Scottish Premier League.

Two unnamed Scottish clubs have also made enquiries for the Middlesbrough-born player.

But Proctor believes Quakers are at the front of the queue for Stamp's signature.

Manager David Hodgson had hoped to sign Stamp in time to make his debut against Boston United on Tuesday night, but a delay in paperwork meant the Teessider watched the goalless draw from the stands.

Stamp is a free agent after leaving Hearts during the summer but, despite interest north of the border, Proctor remains hopeful the Teessider will commit himself to Quakers.

"We need to sit down, have a chat with him and hopefully bring him in on a short-term contract," said Proctor.

"There was a chance he would play against Boston, but we weren't able to register him in time.

"He's been to Scotland for talks with a couple of clubs, but I think we have the advantage in that he wants to stay in the North-East.

"Stampy has settled in well with the rest of the lads here and it's just a case of ironing out a few minor details.

"We can help him and he can help us."

After he missesd training with flu yesterday, Quakers are unlikely to hurry through a deal for Stamp.

The illness would have left him doubtful for tomorrow's trip to Northampton.

Sam Russell took a knock on the shoulder against Boston, although the goalkeeper will be fit enough to keep his place at the Sixfields Stadium. Shelton Martis (ankle) and Joey Hutchinson (back) will start, despite picking up minor injuries on Tuesday night.

Akpo Sodje is out with a knee injury, picked up in the 1-0 defeat at Bristol Rovers last weekend. With Sodje sidelined, Hodgson is considering a recall for Clyde Wijnhard. The former Leeds United striker has not started since August, in the Carling Cup defeat at Hartlepool, but Hodgson could see Wijnhard as the man to kick-start Quakers' season.

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