DAVE Penney is ready to charge Simon Johnson with the responsibility of improving Darlington's ailing fortunes in front of goal by recalling the striker this weekend.

Penney has been disappointed with the goal return of his forwards since his appointment in October.

Of Darlington's strikers only Johnson and Gaetano Giallanza have scored - a goal each - under Penney's ten-match tenure.

After starting the last three games from the bench, Johnson is in line to start as Penney aims to bring to an end a four-match losing streak at Wrexham.

Julian Joachim and Alun Armstrong have started the last three games, but between them the pair have failed to score in 21 games.

Joachim has struggled to regain full fitness after a hamstring injury, while Armstrong has netted just two goals in 19 appearances since rejoining the club during the summer.

"Somebody has to start scoring goals somewhere so perhaps it's time for somebody else to have a go now," said Penney.

"Simon will come back into the equation, although he has always been in my thoughts.

"He's quite versatile and can play on the left or the right of the front two so we'll have a look at him in training this week."

Penney has still to decide on the future of injured defenders Joey Hutchinson and Mark Albrighton.

Hutchinson has yet to play under Penney because of a niggling hip problem, while Albrighton's loan from Boston has been curtailed by a hamstring injury.

Hutchinson's contract is due to expire at the end of this month, although Penney will not be making a decision on the player until he regains full fitness.

Albrighton could figure before his loan spell expires on January 2, but Penney has yet to discuss the possibility of extending the 30-year-old's deal.