DAVID HODGSON will continue his search for a striker this week after questioning Alun Armstrong's desire to rejoin Darlington.

Armstrong is stalling on Hodgson's offer of a contract until the end of the season after Doncaster Rovers joined the chase for the 30-year-old.

Armstrong trained with the League One club on Friday and is due to hold further talks today.

Rovers were alerted to Armstrong's availability only after he played for Quakers' reserves last Wednesday.

"I've always said to him that there is a safety net here for him and if something doesn't come off we'll take him," said Hodgson.

"I'm just a little bit disappointed that, had he not played for us, Doncaster would never have been aware of him.

"I need players out there who have one thing in mind and that's Darlington."

Armstrong is refusing to rule out a return to the North-East with Quakers, although the lure of League One football is a major attraction for the Gateshead-born striker.

"I still feel that I can play at a higher level," said the 30-year-old.

"Hodgy has been great with me to be fair. He told me that Darlington would always be there for me.

"It's good to see that the lads are doing so well at the moment. I enjoyed my time there last season, so who knows.

"At the moment I'm just looking at my options. Doncaster are in League One and obviously that's something which appeals to me."

Hodgson had earmarked released Rochdale striker Paul Tait as a possible alternative to Armstrong, but that interest has also waned.

If Quakers miss out on Armstrong, Hodgson could make a loan signing following Paul Hopkins' return to Everton.

"There is a strong possibility that we could bring another body in on loan, but we will see what happens with one or two targets during the week," said Hodgson.

"We have some very big games coming up and could really do with an extra forward."

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