MICHAEL BRIDGES has made it clear he sees his future back in the North-East with Darlington.

The Bristol City striker has failed to settle in the south-west after moving to Ashton Gate on a free transfer last summer.

And, after Hodgson made an approach to take the 27-year-old on a loan last week, Bridges admitted he is keen to return to the region.

"Michael wanted to come up here before he joined Bristol, but they came up with a fantastic package for him, which we couldn't compete with," said Hodgson.

"He's made it clear that he wants to come back up to the North-East and play for us, so we'll have another chat with him this week.

"There are one or two wage issues, which need resolving, but hopefully we can reach some sort of agreement this week."

Bridges, who moved from Sunderland to Leeds United for £5m in 1999, was once regarded as a future England international, before a series of injury setbacks took its toll on his career.

But, after making 13 appearances for Bristol City this season - scoring just once - Bridges appears to have put his injury problems behind him.

"He's been involved in almost every game for Bristol this season so there are no issues with his fitness," said Hodgson.

"He hasn't scored many goals, but they're playing him behind the strikers as a creator rather than a goalscorer."

Bridges is one of two striker's Hodgson is hoping to bring to the club on loan this week - the other is a young Premiership forward.

"I'm not sure where we stand on the other striker," said Hodgson.

"We will be speaking to his club again this week to find out what the situation is."

However, Hodgson remains hopeful that there will be at least one new striker in his squad to face Wycombe at the Darlington Football Stadium this weekend.

"We know where our problems lie and the sooner we bring in a goalscorer the better," said Hodgson.

"Michael is a very clever player and I think he would fit the bill for us.