DAVID HODGSON last night fired an angry broadside at Guylain Ndumbu-Nsungu after the striker went back on his word by walking out on Darlington to join Championship side Cardiff City.

While four players have agreed to extend their contracts until the end of the season, Ndumbu-Nsungu has enraged Hodgson by closing in on a move to Ninian Park.

As recently as Wednesday the 23-year-old assured Hodgson he would be remaining in the North-East with Quakers.

"I'm just disappointed that the player has had the gall to tell me he is staying, knowing all along he is going somewhere else," fumed Hodgson. "I feel offended and angry. The way everything has happened has really upset me.

"We sat down for 45 minutes yesterday and we talked about how he has become a better player with us. We went to training and he has never been back since.

"We have managed to get his career back on track but then he goes and does this."

Ndumbu-Nsungu ended last season with Colchester United before joining Quakers during the summer after a trial spell, signing a short-term deal which expired on Wednesday.

After taking his tally to 11 goals with a brace in the 3-2 win over Torquay on Monday, Cardiff boss David Jones has been alerted to Ndumbu-Nsungu's form.

Despite his goals, Hodgson insists Darlington can live without the Congolese forward.

"We might miss his goals, but we wont miss some of his performances, which were erratic to say the least," said Hodgson who was reported last night to have signed Burnley youngster Kyle Lafferty on loan as a replacement.

"I put up with that because he was always capable of getting a goal.

"I'm not going to miss his enthusiasm or input into the football club because it did not exist."

Ndumbu-Nsungu's departure leaves Hodgson short of attacking options ahead of tomorrow's trip to Notts County. Akpo Sodje and Simon Johnson are banned at Meadow Lane while Tresor Kandol appears increasingly likely to leave the North-East.

Kandol's loan spell expired on Monday and Dagenham & Redbridge are demanding a £50,000 fee for the 24-year-old though with Wycombe Wanderers, who Darlington beat to Kandol's signature, are keeping tabs on the forward.

The Quakers boss has already earmarked two strikers, who he could sign on-loan - both from the same club.

Despite the loss of Ndumbu-Nsungu, Quakers have been boosted by the news that Phil Stamp, Anthony Peacock, Carlos Logan and Shelton Martis have all agreed to extend their stays at the 96.6TFM Darlington Arena.

"I am delighted the lads have decided to sign until the end of the season," said Hodgson. "After a decent Christmas run we are right on the edge of the play-off positions and these players can play a huge part in getting us right among the promotion front runners."